Sheffield United plotted shock Sheffield Wednesday player deal - Chris Wilder situation changed things | OneFootball

The Blades were keen on a move for Owls forward Djeidi Gassama while Chris Wilder was still in charge.

Sheffield Wednesday’s bitter rivals Sheffield United were reportedly interested in a move for Djeidi Gassama up until Chris Wilder’s departure from Bramall Lane.

That’s according to journalist Alan Biggs, who believes the Blades would have made a shock swoop for the exciting 21-year-old this summer, but the change of manager has scuppered any potential move.

The Blades will still be reeling from their play-off final heartache to Sunderland at Wembley, which ultimately cost Wilder his post at Bramall Lane.

Expectations will be high as the club looks to bounce back to the top-flight at the second attempt under new boss Ruben Selles, with plenty of teams showing in the past that it is possible after an original setback.

As the former Reading and Hull City coach looks to implement his ideas and stamp his authority on the playing squad, the Blades’ original list of targets under Wilder are set to have changed for the Spaniard.

And this seems to be the case with Gassama, who was high on the shortlist of Sheffield United had Wilder been given another season to deliver a second promotion in the Steel City.

Sheffield United held interest in Sheffield Wednesday’s Djeidi Gassama under Chris Wilder

As per a tweet from journalist Alan Bigg’s X account, Sheffield Wednesday talent Djeidi Gassama was on the radar of rivals Sheffield United when Chris Wilder was in charge of the Blades.

The Blades recently parted ways with Chris Wilder for a second time after losing at Wembley to Sunderland for a place in the Premier League. Gassama could have been able to realise his top-flight ambitions had there been a different outcome.

Biggs also details that there is big interest in both Gassama and Anthony Musaba, with at least one firm offer being made for one of the duo.

The players are expected to draw substantial value to the Owls should they depart Hillsborough, although it hasn’t been revealed whether the club will accept lower offers due to their worrying and ongoing financial issues under Dejphon Chansiri.

There has been a significant amount of speculation surrounding Gassama over the course of this summer transfer window, with Blackburn Rovers recently lodging an enquiry for the French youth international, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

He is believed to be valued at £2.5 million, a price that Sheffield United would have been comfortable to pay given the surge in financial resources promotion would have given them.

Djeidi Gassama, Sheffield Wednesday betrayal would have been impossible to forgive

It’s clear to see why Djeidi Gassama was of interest to Chris Wilder and Sheffield United at the time.

At 21, Gassama has already built up two seasons of vital Championship experience, undertaking a breakthrough campaign that saw him register seven goals.

A standout performer in an Owls side suffering badly off the pitch, he has proven why he’s destined to make strides towards the top end of the game, with his devastating pace and fearlessness to take on and beat opposition defenders, two fabulous qualities that will be of need to most teams in this division.

Switching allegiances in the Steel City would have been a massive call to make, with Owls fans never being able to forgive such a huge betrayal and allowing him to showcase his talents in the second tier to begin with.

On the other hand, for Gassama, it would have been a local move and playing regularly for a team that has aspirations of top-flight football, so from his perspective, it would have been a no-brainer of a deal to pursue.

He is bound to be disappointed that Ruben Selles won’t be maintaining an interest in his services following Wilder’s departure, but a move to Blackburn could be another appealing switch given Tyrhys Dolan has left Ewood Park, which will undoubtedly provide assurances over game time in a promotion-contending side.