Sheffield United keeping close eye on Arsenal, Newcastle and Everton transfers ahead of possible windfalls
Sheffield United could receive unexpected financial boosts as a result of top-flight transfer moves this summer
Sheffield United fans will be keeping a close eye on transfer activity at Premier League clubs Arsenal, Newcastle and Everton this summer despite the Blades’ relegation to the Championship. While United chief Chris Wilder is bracing himself for a busy summer in the transfer market the Blades could receive a bonus windfall or two from the sales of their former players in the top flight.
Aaron Ramsdale, the former United goalkeeper, has been linked with a move to St. James’ Park this summer after losing his place at the Emirates Stadium to David Raya, who the Gunners are expected to sign this summer for a fee of around £30m from Brentford. Mikel Arteta has made his stance clear over his goalkeeping pecking order, with Ramsdale playing only two Premier League games since the end of last September - and both against Brentford, when Raya was ineligible.
Ramsdale did enough to be named in Gareth Southgate’s 33-man training camp ahead of this summer’s European Championships but is not likely to be content with another season on Arsenal’s bench, while the Gunners may see having two ‘keepers of such quality as an unnecessary luxury. Ramsdale joined Arsenal for an initial £24m fee soon after United’s last relegation from the Premier League, after he effectively went on strike in a bid to push through his move to the Emirates.
Although United’s sell-on clause has not been publicly confirmed, it is common practice in football for them to be a percentage of the profit when a player is subsequently sold on, rather than the entire transfer fee. Ramsdale had been previously been linked with a £60m exit, which would have landed United a helpful windfall, but recent reports in the north-east have suggested Newcastle - managed by Eddie Howe, the man who signed Ramsdale from United in the first place - could open the bidding at £15m, which would represent a loss for Arsenal, and likely no sell-on for United.
United are also understood to have inserted a similar clause in the deal which took striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin to Everton, with the England international again linked with a Goodison Park exit this summer. Everton have already signalled their intention to sell some of their prized assets to balance the books, and Calvert-Lewin’s contract is set to expire at the end of next season - so if they can’t tie him down, the Toffees may cash in and his former boss Wilder may receive a boost to his transfer kitty ahead of a crunch summer at Bramall Lane.