Nobody associated with Sheffield United is ever likely to look back on the 2026 summer transfer window with an awful lot of fondness.
After finishing 13th in the Championship last season, Chris Wilder hoped to use the summer window to rebuild his squad and boost the Blades’ chances of mounting a fresh promotion push this season.
Instead, United lost three of their best players and were forced to rely on free transfers and loans to bolster their squad. Jordan Ayew, who was signed on a free transfer a week after the transfer window closed, was the Blades’ seventh and final addition of the summer.
Having struggled to get new faces through the door, United oversaw more departures than arrivals during the window, with exits taking place on both permanent and temporary deals.
With that in mind, here is a look at how those who left Bramall Lane on permanent deals over the summer have been getting on...
1. Andre Brooks (Norwich City)
Brooks was the first of three big-name players to be sold by United during the summer, sealing a move to Norwich City in June for a fee that could eventually be worth more than £10million. The Blades academy graduate kicked on last season, scoring six Championship goals, and that was enough to convince Norwich to make a big-money move for his signature. He has enjoyed a bright start to his Carrow Road career, scoring three goals and registering three assists in his first ten appearances. | Getty Images
2. Gustavo Hamer (Coventry City)
Following plenty of speculation about his future, Hamer left Bramall Lane last month, sealing a £6m return to Coventry City. He had entered the final year of his contract at S2, and United did not want to risk losing him for free next summer. A key player throughout his time with the Blades, Hamer has struggled for regular opportunities since returning to Coventry, with three of his five appearances so far coming as a substitute. His only starts for the club have come in the Carabao Cup, meaning he has been restricted to just 32 minutes of Premier League action. | Getty Images
3. Callum O'Hare (Wrexham)
After losing Brooks and Hamer, United could ill afford to lose another key player. However, a £7m bid from Wrexham was accepted for O'Hare, and he finalised his exit from Bramall Lane on transfer deadline day. The 28-year-old has made four appearances for the Welsh outfit so far, making three starts and one substitute appearance. He is yet to score or register an assist for Phil Parkinson's side. | Getty Images
4. Ivo Grbić (Ludogorets Razgrad)
After spending each of the last two seasons out on loan, United sanctioned a permanent exit for goalkeeper Grbić on deadline day. He joined Bulgarian top-flight outfit Ludogorets for an undisclosed fee. The goalkeeper, who joined the Blades from Atlético Madrid in January 2024, is yet to make his debut for his new club. | Getty Images