The summer transfer window will officially open for business next Monday, meaning everyone associated with Sheffield United is hoping they will hit the ground running.
After finishing an underwhelming 13th in the Championship in 2025/26, United have ambitions of finishing much higher up the table next term. An expanded play-off system means the top eight will be in with a shot of earning promotion to the Premier League next term.
United had the ninth-best record in the division between Chris Wilder’s return last September and the end of the season, meaning everyone hopes they will be able to drag themselves into play-off contention in 2026/27 and target a return to the Premier League. The Blades boss wants to add experience and Championship pedigree to his squad after too many recruitment errors were made last summer ahead of his return.
Although fresh blood is required this summer, more exits are expected. United said farewell to a crop of big names last summer and there is a chance they could do the same again this time around.
With less than a week to go until this summer’s window opens, here is a whistle-stop run-down of how those who left Bramall Lane on permanent deals last summer have got on since.
5. Jefferson Cáceres - FBC Melgar
One of the first signings of United's AI transfer strategy, Cáceres left Bramall Lane last July without having made a single competitive appearance for the club. Despite featuring in pre-season, he moved north of the border for an undisclosed fee, joining Dunfermline Athletic. However, his stay in Scotland did not last long as he was on the move again by February, moving back to Peru to rejoin FBC Melgar. Dunfermline, at the time, revealed Cáceres had intimated that he was keen to return home. He made just 14 appearances for the Scottish outfit | Sheffield United
6. Harry Boyes - Southend United
After being released by the Blades at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, Boyes, who had been with the club since 2018, was snapped up by non-league outfit Southend United, signing a two-year contract. He had been sent out on loan six times during his time in S2, meaning it felt inevitable he would have to try and put down some roots elsewhere. He was a regular for Southend this season, making more than 40 appearances, contributing ten assists, as they qualified for the end-of-season play-offs and won the FA Trophy. Boyes converted a penalty in the shootout at Wembley to help the Shrimpers beat Wealdstone 4-2 on spot kicks to take the trophy back to Roots Hall. | Getty Images
7. Rhian Brewster - Derby County
Although United wanted to retain Brewster following the end of the 2024/25 season, offering him a new contract, he eventually moved on and was snapped up by Derby County on a free transfer. Injury and fitness issues limited him in the first half of the season, but he found a bit of form after Christmas, meaning he ended the season with seven Championship goals to his name. He made 31 appearances across all competitions. | Getty Images
8. Jack Robinson - Birmingham City
Robinson left Bramall Lane on deadline day last September, sealing a move to Birmingham City, signing a two-year deal. That brought his five-and-a-half-year stint in S2 to an end. Adding experience to Birmingham's backline, Robinson made 16 appearances, chipping in with one goal, scoring against Derby County in a 1-1 draw on Boxing Day. He was also sent off twice in just his first four appearances for the club, seeing red against Coventry City and Hull City. | Getty Images