Grading the summer transfer window and start to the season for Sheffield United | OneFootball

Sheffield United faced a tough start to the season both on and off the pitch, with a two-point deduction and the swirling rumours of a takeover which seemed to halt some of their early business. But, it’s fair to suggest they have overcome the early adversity and have gathered some early momentum in the race for promotion.

The Blades started the season on minus two points due to defaulting on past payments for one of their players. But before United even got to the 2024/25 Championship season they had to figure out a way to steady a sinking ship as 14 of their players departed early in the summer, whilst they also saw four loan players rejoin their parent clubs.

Before Chris Wilder could even think about mounting a promotion push, he first had to assemble a squad of players. Working with the new recruitment team to bring in ten new players, the Blades managed to bring in some excellent signings at a greatly reduced price because of expiring contracts, free agent additions and by utilising the loan market.

The start of the season saw Sheffield United travel to Preston North End on a Friday evening, and let’s be honest, it was the simplest 2-0 away victory you’re likely to see all season.

Next up was the first home game against QPR where the Blades strolled to an early 2-0 lead, but despite having a man advantage in the second half they surrendered the lead and ended up sharing the points.

Another draw followed a week later and this time it was United’s turn to come from behind to nick a point on their travels, against Norwich City.

After managing to keep hold of their key players: Anel Ahmedhodzic, Vinicius Souza, Oliver Arblaster and Gustavo Hamer, the Blades faced Watford at Bramall Lane a couple of days later. Heading into that game the Hornets had won all of their competitive games so it served as a real litmus test for United, and they passed with flying colours winning 1-0 – it really could’ve been three or four though.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 01: Kwadwo Baah of Watford interacts with Sydie Peck and Oliver Arblaster of Sheffield United after the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Watford FC at Bramall Lane on September 01, 2024 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Sheffield United: Rating the summer transfer window and start to the season

Jake

Transfer Window: B+

It did almost feel like I was supporting a new team this summer, not because of the number of changes to the squad but because Sheffield United were actually operating smartly and getting some quality players for their money.

Several months ago I wrote articles suggesting the Blades should Harrison Burrows and Callum O’Hare, so to see them sign long-term deals with us was fantastic. The addition of Michael Cooper and Kieffer Moore were also great to see. However, I just feel like we needed to see three or four more players coming in, particularly a striker, a natural left-winger, and a right-back. A back-up defensive midfielder for Vinicius Souza would’ve also been ideal because we don’t really have anyone like him in the squad from a physical point of view.

For that reason, I am grading the transfer window a B+. United brought in some great players for this level. But bringing in great players doesn’t necessarily equate to a great window: look at Chelsea – they sign some great players, but they have no balance or structure to the overall squad and are light in certain positions.

With three or four more additions to bulk out our squad, this probably would’ve been the best summer window I’ve ever seen from United.

Start to the Season: A

Like I wrote in my match preview for the Preston game, I expected United to coast through that game and really they did. The QPR game: I wasn’t really that down about in all honesty. We didn’t do enough in that second half to win so a draw was a fair reflection. I personally don’t mind seeing these types of situations play out early on in the season because the fans, players and coaching staff get to find out more about the team when they face adversity. And I think it’s better to find out these things early and then iron out these wrinkles.

In contrast, it was great to see us come from behind against Norwich and get a point, but we should’ve scored with the chances we had early in the game before going 1-0 down.

The Watford win: if Kieffer Moore scores the penalty we probably would’ve gone on to score a few more. It was great to see that we learned our lesson from the QPR game because the second half against Watford I thought we controlled the tempo and flow of the game very well.

Oli

Transfer Window: B-

United started the window needing a complete squad refresh. So many old faces were out of contract and after the pain and the embarrassment of last season it was time for an overhaul more in the mould of what Chris Wilder wants from his team.

And for the most part this has been achieved. The team is almost unrecognisable from the one that ended last season – but with the departures of Oli McBurnie, Oli Norwood, John Egan, Chris Basham, Wes Foderingham and George Baldock we had massive shoes to fill both in connection with the fans but also in leadership in the dressing room.

While it’s too early to judge on leadership qualities it looks like we have recruited some absolute gems. Callum O’Hare has immediately created a fantastic partnership with Hamer and their creativity looks to be an exciting spark for this new look United. Kieffer Moore brings experience and know how uo front, while Rak-Sakyi brings unpredictability and direct running. Souttar is a player who at this level is a dominant centre-half in both boxes and in Harrison Burrows and Mike Cooper we recruited 2 of the most exciting young talents in the EFL.

So – while I haven’t named them all – every player signed is an exciting addition and one who brings added quality to this United team. Massive tick on the quality of players recruited.

But this is where it falls down for me – where is the depth?

We have one right back – who is a centre back by trade – backed up by a utility midfielder. We have three recognised centre halves so one injury and we’re down to the bare bones.

Five midfielders and then we’re into the kids with less than 20 professional appearances. Exciting as some of those youngsters may be – that’s not a position of strength for a team vying for promotion to the Premier League.

We have two right wingers and no left winger. And we have one striker because relying on Rhian Brewster yet again is ludicrous almost to the point of parody.

So it’s a good window with outstanding players brought in, creating a very strong starting 11 – just not quite enough of them for it to be a great window.

Start to the Season: A

It’s been a great start. Barring the QPR at home debacle which saw us return to the worst of last season in the second half we have been a good championship team. Still unbeaten, two wins from four, finally a win at Bramall lane and even two clean sheets!

The -2 can be all but forgotten and we can kick on from a position of strength afforded to us by this positive start.

We need to watch out for our video “second half slump” as Nick titled it, that is where other teams in game tactical management have caught us out combined with our own lack of depth off the bench. But overall two points per game and exciting attacking football? Can’t ask for much more than that.

Hal

Transfer Window: B-

I feel like, as we got a lot of business done in a short space of time, it actually felt anticlimactic come deadline day when no-one new walked through the door. United have previously left a lot of our business late, the supposed theory being that we would ‘get the better deal’ so there was a bit of late drama expectation that never materialised and that perhaps taints some fans’ views of the actual success of the signings.

I think we have a nice mix of the shrewd (Shackleton) with the essential (Cooper) and a number of other key components for this large rebuild. If we find a player already at the club to make left wing their own, then I’m really happy. Otherwise I’d have liked an out and out left winger and a striker to compliment what we already have.

Start to the Season: A

Apart from the QPR home collapse, I’m pleased with the season’s start and it sets us up nicely for the next few fixtures. I’d have just preferred to keep the momentum going rather than endure this early season international break!