Sheffield United have just one game left of the regular season before gearing up for the inevitable drama of play-off football. Chris Wilder’s side host Blackburn Rovers on Saturday in what they hope will be the first of four more games to take them back to the Premier League.
Promotion or not, United look set for a busy summer as still relatively new owners COH Sports stamp their authority on the club in their first off-season transfer window. But while the focus will be on strengthening Wilder’s squad, time will need to be set aside for deciding what to do with a crop of current squad members.
All in all, Transfermarkt have eight players set to leave Bramall Lane this summer due to the expiration of their contracts or loan deals, while decisions might need to be taken on three more who will enter the final 12 months of their terms. Below, The Star takes a look at all 11.
5. Hamza Choudhury - loan ends 2025
Like Clarke and Ipswich, Choudhury's parent club Leicester City are down and might be inclined to keep their academy graduate for another promotion push. Has been steadily impressive since joining on loan in January, operating at right-back when needed. Photo: George Wood
6. Jesurun Rak-Sakyi - loan ends 2025
Still highly regarded at Crystal Palace, who turned down offers of a permanent exit before loaning him to United last summer. Still only 22 and it's feasible Palace send him out on loan again, although much of the Blades' future plans cannot be cemented until their league status for next season is confirmed. | Molly Darlington/Getty Images Photo: Molly Darlington/Getty Images
7. Ben Brereton Diaz - loan ends 2025
Brereton Diaz is the only loan player United have a permanent option for, which is believed to be around £10m. It's unclear whether that will be feasible if the Blades are still playing Championship football, but it's definitely a realistic amount for a newly-promoted Premier League team to spend. | Getty Images
8. Rhian Brewster - contract expires 2025
The striker's fifth campaign at United has not been without injury but it's been a major improvement on previous years, with four goals in 35 Championship games. Still only 25-years-old and the Blades might hope to get a bit more from someone who cost them £20m-plus back in 2020. Photo: Andrew Yates