Sheffield United might have to sign at least three players to fix position problem in summer transfer window
Sheffield United are gearing up for a busy summer transfer window after an underwhelming 2025/26 campaign.
A big summer is on the horizon at Sheffield United.
Following an underwhelming 2025/26 campaign that saw the Blades finish a disappointing 13th in the Championship table, manager Chris Wilder knows he has plenty of work to do in the summer transfer window.
The Blades chief has long since sounded his belief that his squad requires more experience and players of the right character to help United climb the Championship ladder next season.
As well as making a costly decision in the dugout last summer, the United hierarchy, who sacked Wilder and appointed Rubén Sellés as his successor, also made some questionable decisions on the recruitment front as well. It means Wilder has plenty of work to do this summer, and he is going to be tasked with doing it on a much smaller budget than what was available 12 months ago.
That, though, should not faze United’s supporters too much. Wilder is often at his best in the market when he has to bring in players on free transfers or for relatively small fees.
However, United will be hoping to raise funds via player sales this summer, and one income stream could come via the sale of centre-back Mark McGuinness. Less than a year after joining the Blades from Luton Town, The Star understands he could be moved on this summer.
United are believed to have paid somewhere between £4million and £5m for the Republic of Ireland international last summer, meaning he was one of several players brought in for a fee that would not exactly be described as cheap.
Following an indifferent first season at Bramall Lane, it is understood McGuiness faces an uncertain future at the club ahead of this summer’s transfer window and that United will not stand in his way if an acceptable offer is received. He has three years remaining on his contract and that should help United if they find themselves sitting around the negotiating table over the summer.
Should McGuinness depart, though, it will only increase the amount of work required at centre-back this summer. As things currently stand, McGuinness and Japhet Tanganga, who also arrived at Bramall Lane last summer, are the only senior centre-backs currently at the club.
Nils Zätterström was another centre-back who arrived in S2 last summer, arriving from Swedish club Malmö, but he was sent out on loan in January, joining Genoa, who have the option to sign him permanently this summer. After admitting he didn’t suit Wilder’s style of play, it is hard to visualise him staying at Bramall Lane this summer.
With Tyler Bindon having returned to Nottingham Forest and Ben Mee having announced his retirement, United are down to the bare bones at centre-back, meaning they already face a big challenge to strengthen that department amid the prospect of McGuinness departing.
Should the former Cardiff City man be sold, leaving Tanganga as the club’s only senior centre-back, it is not unrealistic to suggest United could need to sign three players to bolster that particular department this summer.
Tanganga is expected to get another chance to prove himself to Wilder next season, meaning he could continue as a regular starter. However, the need for competition and depth in that particular department means nothing can be guaranteed.
Leicester City defender Harry Souttar, who spent time on loan at Bramall Lane in 2024/25, is one name United supporters are beginning to talk about, and he would fit the profile for the sort of centre-back Wilder is in need of.
If he did return to Bramall Lane, for example, he would be brought in with a view to establishing himself in Wilder’s first-choice starting XI. It is crucial United have strength in depth and healthy competition in every area of the squad, meaning plenty of work is going to be required at centre-back this summer.
Regardless of McGuinness’ future, United have work to do at the back over the coming months. His future, though, will dictate just how much work.