Sheffield United: Liam Millar transfer deal hints at significant Chris Wilder change - View | OneFootball

The Canadian spent last year on loan at Preston North End as a wing-back, however, he looks set to join the Blades as a winger.

Sheffield United and Chris Wilder look set to complete the signing of Liam Millar from FC Basel after the Copa América, but the Canadian's arrival could mean a big change at Bramall Lane.

Millar played his football on loan at Championship rivals Preston North End last season, who he joined from Swiss outfit Basel, having plied his trade out in mainland Europe since 2021.

However, despite a relatively successful season in Lancashire last time out, Millar has not been expected to return to Deepdale due to the fact that not only clubs with deeper pockets were interested, but there is also a reluctance to play as a wing-back as opposed to his natural position of a winger.

Preston North End Director, Peter Ridsdale, explained to the Lancashire Post why the Canadian will not re-join, saying: "Liam has been very honest with us, saying he loves the club and will come back tomorrow, but wants to play left wing.

"And we have said we love him and want him back tomorrow, but we want him to play left wing-back."

Chris Wilder may be plotting Sheffield United formation change amid Liam Millar's expected arrival

With Millar not wanting to play out of position in the coming season, his decision to join Sheffield United could be seen as a strange one.

According to Adam Oxley of BBC Sheffield, the 24-year-old will be joining the Blades in the coming weeks, with all formalities expected to be completed following the conclusion of his involvement in the Copa América for Canada.

However, when Wilder returned to Bramall Lane back in December, he went back to the 3-5-2 formation for the most part that carried Sheffield United close to European football in 2019/20 - although he did use a back four with wingers utilised nine times out of 26 matches managed, as per Transfermarkt, showing more of a versatile side tactically.

The final few months of 2023/24 saw the return of the 3-5-2 though, and this time it resulted in relegation from the top flight, but it is not yet known if Wilder will continue with his overlapping centre-backs tactics that have proven to be so successful in the Championship before.

A slight tweak in formation, may allow Millar to play in his natural position - and give him the opportunity to score and assist at a more regular rate.

Moving to a 3-4-3, Wilder still has the ability to utilise his previous tactics, while giving Millar the security of playing further forward - without being needed as defensive cover. Alternatively, a switch to a more traditional 4-3-3 will keep Millar further up the pitch and allow him to show his attacking qualities.

Both potential changes will be significant for Wilder, who has become synonymous with his modern and exciting tactical outlook so far in his career. A change to this may take time, but could take opponents by surprise as they set up for a more typical Wilder team.

Liam Millar could be a difference-maker for Sheffield United next season

Despite operating as a wing-back for Preston last season, ex-Liverpool youth star Millar had a profitable season in terms of goal involvements, finding the back of the net five times while also picking up five assists.

Millar found success for Basel on the left wing, scoring 13 goals and helping out his teammates with 10 assists in 98 games during his time in Switzerland. After joining the club at only 21, he was able to adapt well and, after gaining experience on loan with PNE, he could be a game-changer in Yorkshire.

Millar created 33 chances for Preston in 2023/24, in a deeper role than he is expected to play in for Sheffield United.

And although they scored just 35 goals in the Premier League last season, the Blades were the third-top scorers in the Championship in their promotion campaign with 73, and with the Canadian's crossing ability, this total could be beaten in 2024/25.

Wilder is gaining a versatile, productive player in Millar this summer if the deal ends up being signed off and made official. However, he will need to keep him happy in his desired position to get the most out of him as the Blades look to recover from a dismal relegation.