"Blow for Selles" - Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit reacts to Sheffield United transfer update | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie exclusively tells FLW his thoughts on Sheffield United's transfer budget for the summer window

Sheffield United's limited transfer budget this summer could be a setback for new manager Ruben Selles - despite the club's recent history of successful free signings.

As exclusively revealed by FLW, Sheffield United are operating on a restricted budget this summer, and will be prioritising both free agents and loan deals when continuing to bring players in.

Blades have only made two signings so far this window - Nottingham Forest defender Tyler Bindon joined on loan after winning Reading's Player of the Season last term - and unknown Nigerian winger Ehije Ukaki arrived from Bulgaria's oldest club, Botev Plovdiv.

Last season, the South Yorkshire side signed four players on a free transfer and seven on loan deals. They finished the season on 90 points before losing the play-off final - so its arguably not all doom and gloom for supporters, even if it's not welcomed news.

Lee Hendrie concerned about Sheffield United's transfer budget

Sky Sports pundit, Lee Hendrie, believes Sheffield United's limited transfer budget this summer is a setback for Ruben Selles.

"I think they did this last summer, they didn’t invest heavily," Hendrie exclusively told FLW.

"I think what they did to is that they got lots of very good free transfers in the door, the likes of Tyrese Campbell, Callum O’Hare was obviously one that they got on a free transfer and the list goes on."

Tyrese Campbell joined on a free transfer after leaving Stoke City and became Sheffield United's top scorer with 11 goals in his first season - including his strike in the playoff final.

The former Aston Villa midfielder acknowledged Sheffield United's attractiveness as a destination for out-of-contract players, but highlighted some challenges this presents for their Spanish boss.

"Sheffield United is an attractive football club for most that are probably out of contract, and obviously if they’re limited with their budget I think this would be a bit of a blow for Selles, Hendrie stated.

O'Hare was another free arrival that has proved to be a hit in S2 so far. The attacking midfielder contributed to ten goals whilst linking up effectively with his former Coventry City teammate, Gustavo Hamer.

Ruben Selles' early transfer hurdle at Sheffield United

Despite previous successes, Hendrie does say the budget constraints still present big challenges for Selles as he attempts to build a squad capable of securing promotion to the Premier League.

"When you go into a football club, particularly one of that stature, you would’ve thought that they’d have invested a little more but you have to look at the squad they have at the moment, Hendrie explained.

The pundit also mentioned the context of Blades' near miss, adding, "Lets not forget they weren’t far away last season and probably should have been promoted - the two point deduction as well."

Despite the budget limitations, Hendrie was careful not to completely dismiss the strategy, thinking that it won't be permanently damaging to Selles' propspects next season.

"I don’t think it’s damaging for Ruben Selles, I just think you would’ve thought Sheffield United would have probably been the ones that would have invested and just really tried to go for it even more this season," he concluded.

Selles himself has expressed confidence in the squad at his disposal, telling BBC Radio Sheffield, " I think we have a proper squad with very talented players with different ages that are ready to go and fight and play a good season."

Ultimately, the challenge for the Spaniard will obviously be getting the most out of Blades' current squad whilst managing a limited budget - as they're seeking top-flight promotion for the second time following their relegation in 23/24.