Sheffield United will be seriously envious of Sunderland AFC right now - They’re not messing about | OneFootball

Sheffield United will no doubt be feeling a mix of emotions as they watch Sunderland spend big this summer

Sheffield United will no doubt be feeling a mix of emotions as they watch their Championship playoff final opponents Sunderland embark on one of the most impressive summer transfer windows in recent memory.

The wounds from that dramatic 2-1 defeat at Wembley Stadium in May are still fresh for Blades' supporters.

Leading 1-0 with just 15 minutes remaining through Tyrese Campbell's opener, they were crucially denied their Premier League return when Eliezer Mayenda equalised before Tom Watson's stunning stoppage-time winner sealed Sunderland's promotion - after an eight-year absence from the top-flight.

While Sheffield United lick their wounds in the Championship, the Black Cats have been on a recruitment splurge that has already seen them break their transfer record twice in a matter of weeks.

Sunderland's AFC impressive summer spending could've been Sheffield United if not for Wembley defeat

Sunderland's spending spree began with the permanent signing of Enzo Le Fee from AS Roma for £20 million, turning his loan into a long-term commitment.

The French midfielder made 18 appearances following his January arrival, which was only somewhat restricted due to a hamstring injury, and played the full 95 minutes in the play-off final win over Sheffield United.

However, Le Fee's record-breaking status was short-lived. Sunderland then smashed their transfer record again by securing the services of Habib Diarra from Strasbourg for a staggering £30 million.

Captaining Strasbourg last season at just 21, the Senegalese midfielder brings international pedigree having scored four goals in 11 for his country - including a strike against England in a friendly at the City Ground in June.

Spending hasn't stopped there for the Mackems - they've also agreed a deal worth £15m plus £2.5m in add-ons for Union Saint-Gilloise midfielder Noah Sadiki.

Sadiki was instrumental in USG's first league title in 90 years, and featured in every Europa League match for the Belgian outfit.

As per the Sunderland Echo, talks continue for both French left-back Melvin Bard from Nice, and Chelsea goalkeeper Djorde Petrovic - who has been linked with a £21.5m move to Wearside.

After appearing 31 times for Strasbourg last season on loan from The Blues - the same club as Diarra - Petrovic wants regular football to be the norm instead of being a back-up option in London, and Sunderland could give him that.

Whatever the case though, envious eyes will be cast from Bramall Lane, where summer transfer dealings have been comparatively modest.

Sheffield United's summer window has looked a lot different

The contrast between the two clubs' summer activities could not be starker. While Sunderland splash serious cash on proven young talent, Sheffield United have been forced to operate on a more modest budget .

Blades have completed just two signings so far this summer, the first being Bulgarian winger Ehije Ukaki from Botev Plovdiv, continuing their strategy of using AI-data to identify targets after the January arrivals of his team-mate Christian Nwachukwu, as well as Peruvian winger Jefferson Caceres.

Tyler Bindon has joined on loan from Nottingham Forest, after being named Reading's Player Of The Season in 2024/25 - and the New Zealand international already has experience working in Selles' system, and could provide a strong partner for Anel Ahmedhodzic, should the Swede stay at Bramall Lane.

It's worth noting that Sheffield United wouldn't necessarily have had the same spending or pulling power as Sunderland even if they had secured promotion, but the opportunity to compete for higher-calibre players will certainly be upsetting.

The club's accounts show they received around £45m in parachute payments following relegation in 2021, with subsequent years seeing £40m and reduced amounts - but spending opportunity remains limited.

Under the guidance of new manager Ruben Selles, following Chris Wilder's exit by mutual consent, Blades must watch Sunderland's top-flight preparations with a mixture of admiration and regret - as they anticipate who their new head coach brings to S2 next.