Sheffield United have already had two players they could do with next season
Alan Biggs on a couple of players who Sheffield United would do well to have on their radar
Now don’t go thinking I know something here, although some might say there could always be a first time!
It’s just that when I think of the kind of strong, reliable characters Sheffield United require for next season I’m reminded of a couple of players who figured impressively for Chris Wilder last year.
With the caveat that it would seem strange to recommend players who both currently represent a club ignominiously relegated to League One.
I refer to Harry Souttar and Hamza Choudhury of Leicester City, from where they were loaned to Bramall Lane during the 2024-25 season.
Both contributed impressively to a campaign that ended in play-off final defeat to Sunderland at Wembley.
Now I’ve no idea whether they are staying at Leicester or whether Wilder would even be interested in renewing the link.
It simply occurs to me that when you are looking for players of a type, they are two of that type.
Centre half Souttar especially, who provided everything United have missed this season. He was an absolute rock at the back, a clear leader, too, before suffering a serious Achilles injury that forced his return to the Foxes.
That was a big blow to the Blades’ ambitions, no question. Everyone had warmed to Harry as a person and player.
The Scottish-born Australian, 27, was out for more than a year before scoring on his recent return for Leicester in a 1-1 draw with Millwall.
Meanwhile, Choudhury, 28, was a regular throughout a wretched season, but that does not necessarily taint him with the rest of a club in collapse on and off the field.
He’s an effective, versatile performer, at home either at right back or a defensive midfield role.
These are examples rather than pointers and certainly in Souttar’s case any interested club would have to be satisfied of his fitness. That’s a particularly big requirement for Wilder right now.
Of course, there’s will be many players for many positions on the radar.
But character and experience are regarded as big boxes to tick in this summer’s recruitment drive.