When Sheffield United must submit their retained list by as EFL deadline looms
Sheffield United’s retained list is not expected to feature any surprises this summer.
Sheffield United have until this Saturday to submit their retained list to the English Football League, meaning time is running out for them to make any last-minute decisions.
EFL rules state that clubs must submit their retained lists by the third Saturday in May, meaning this year’s deadline is Saturday, May 16. Only clubs participating in the play-offs will be granted an extension.
United, of course, were involved in the Championship play-offs last season, reaching the final at Wembley, meaning they had a little bit longer to finalise their plans for the following campaign. Rhian Brewster was the only first-team player out-of-contract last summer and United held talks with him over a new deal before he eventually moved on.
This time around, the Blades have five players whose deals are up at the end June in the form of goalkeeper Adam Davies, defender Ben Mee, midfielders Jaïro Riedewald and Tom Davies and striker Danny Ings.
United confirmed last month that Tom Davies will be released, bringing his three-year spell at Bramall Lane to an end, while Mee, last week, announced his retirement.
The Star is of the understanding Ings will follow Tom Davies and Mee out of Bramall Lane. The former Burnley and Southampton striker signed a one-year deal with the Blades last summer and he is not expected to be offered a new contract.
However, midfield enforcer Riedewald is poised to be retained. After originally joining United on a short-term deal last October, he agreed an extension to that deal in December, keeping him at the club until the end of the season. That agreement featured an option of a further year.
At this moment in time it remains to be seen if he will be offered fresh terms for a new deal or he will be retained via the existing option United have available to them.
Meanwhile, United’s five loanees - Tyler Bindon, Leo Hjelde, Djibril Soumaré, Kalvin Phillips and Chiedozie Ogbene - will all return to their parent clubs after spending time at Bramall Lane this season.