How May 24th has completely changed Sheffield United's transfer plan | OneFootball

Sheffield United'a play-off final loss will have massive repercussions for their upcoming summer transfer plans

Sheffield United’s play-off final loss is a massive setback for the club going into this summer's transfer window.

The Blades took a 1-0 lead into half-time over Régis Le Bris’ Sunderland side, but goals from Eliezer Mayenda and Tom Watson in the final 15 minutes saw their advantage overturned under the Wembley arch.

Chris Wilder will now have to prepare the club for another year in the Championship, but their loss on May 24th means he will have to go back to the drawing board for how to build his squad for another promotion push.

The defeat means that Sheffield United are now vulnerable to clubs poaching their most exciting players, who may seek opportunities to step up the football pyramid themselves now that the Yorkshire outfit cannot offer top flight football for another 12 months.

Compared to if they won against Sunderland, Wilder will have to completely alter his potential plans for the next couple of months.

Sheffield United likely to lose top stars

It’s no surprise that the immediate aftermath of Saturday’s defeat at Wembley Stadium has seen speculation mount on the future of Gustavo Hamer.

It has been reported by talkSPORT this week that both Everton and Leeds United are interested in the playmaker. It is believed that the 27-year-old will leave Bramall Lane, which will be a huge blow for the Blades given his importance to the squad.

Hamer contributed nine goals and seven assists in the regular season, adding to that in the play-offs. He will prove very difficult to replace even if a hefty fee is received from his sale.

Other players like Anel Ahmedhodzic are also sure to attract attention, and the Sheffield United manager even admitted as much in the lead up to the play-offs.

The 57-year-old highlighted the defender’s expiring contract in April, claiming the club cannot afford to keep letting players get so close to the last year of their deals, citing previous errors with Iliman Ndiaye and Sander Berge.

“I do think it's dependent on what happens at the end of the season, because these are ambitious boys as well, but we have to secure longer-term contracts for our players,” said Wilder, via The Star, in April.

“It is really difficult, and I know there was a massively difficult situation with Illy and Sander.”

Vini Souza and Michael Cooper are other players who could attract interest, whilst players like Sydie Peck and Ollie Arblaster could be good options to move on to keep in-line with PSR demands.

Sheffield United have to shelve any big-spending plans

Sheffield United would have drawn up plans for improving the squad on the basis of winning the play-off final.

However, that now needs to be ripped up as the club cannot commit to buying any big-name players without Premier League football.

While signings will be made to ensure promotion is secured next year, the club may first need to think about player exits.

Hamer and Ahmedhodzic’s future may take greater importance than anyone coming in right now, with new plans needed for how to tackle another year in the Championship.