Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder issues a big deadline day warning

Sheffield United face a battle to sign a replacement for Jack O’Connell before tonight's transfer deadline, Chris Wilder has admitted, after warning the club’s financial situation means he can not simply go out and “write a cheque” for a centre-half.
By James Shield
Published 5th Oct 2020, 06:00 BST
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With O’Connell facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines following knee surgery, Wilder has earmarked Terence Kongolo for a move to Bramall Lane while Ben Davies is also thought to be attracting the 53-year-old’s interest.

Although United broke their transfer record when Rhian Brewster arrived from Liverpool on Friday - the centre-forward missed the defeat at Arsenal because the deal was not processed in time - Wilder reminded he is still working to a budget which is dwarfed by the majority of those enjoyed by other managers in the division.

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“We’ve done some business but there is still a situation with Jack O’Connell,” Wilder said after yesterday’s match at the Emirates.

Sheffield United's manager Chris Wilder gestures to his players from the sidelines during the match between Arsenal and Sheffield United at the Emirates Stadium in London,. (Clive Rose/Pool via AP)Sheffield United's manager Chris Wilder gestures to his players from the sidelines during the match between Arsenal and Sheffield United at the Emirates Stadium in London,. (Clive Rose/Pool via AP)
Sheffield United's manager Chris Wilder gestures to his players from the sidelines during the match between Arsenal and Sheffield United at the Emirates Stadium in London,. (Clive Rose/Pool via AP)

“We still have to work hard and be smart in terms of our recruitment because it’s not just about going out, finding a fabulous left footed centre-half, and then simply writing a cheque out.

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“We are Sheffield United and we are attempting to establish ourselves at this level. We’ve been here a season and we came right up from League One. We’ve not had £110m given to us season upon season and even more than that over the last 10 years.”

United entered the international break still searching for their first win of the new campaign after goals from Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe saw Arsenal prevail at the Emirates Stadium, although David McGoldrick reduced the deficit during the closing stages.

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Despite praising the resilience his team showed as they went in search of an equaliser, Wilder suggested he could soon break up what has been a settled starting eleven after expressing concern about the form of some individual players.

Brewster, who is thought to have cost £23.5m, is almost certain to feature when Fulham visit South Yorkshire later this month.

“We were disappointed Rhian wasn’t involved,” Wilder said. “We are delighted to get him in though and he will give us a boost.”

Related topics:Chris WilderJack O'ConnellRhian BrewsterArsenalBen DaviesBramall Lane