Pundit raises Chris Wilder "risk" amid Sheffield United takeover situation | OneFootball

Pundit Carlton Palmer admits he is fearful that Chris Wilder could leave Sheffield United amid the Blades' takeover saga

Sheffield United's proposed takeover deal will not be finalised until at least December, after the club's prospective American owners took a break from negotiations this week, due to Thanksgiving celebrations.

That's according to The Sheffield Star, who also report that Blades chairman Yusuf Giansiracusa, one of club owner Prince Abdullah's legal advisors, made a rare appearance at Bramall Lane on Tuesday night, when the South Yorkshire outfit dismantled Oxford United 3-0.

Bloomberg reported back in October that a consortium led by Ohio businessman Steven Rosen was fronting the American bid for the Blades, who have been up for sale since at least May 2023.

But as we approach the final month of 2024, a takeover deal is still yet to be agreed, which will not please the Bramall Lane faithful as their club approaches the January transfer window, and the business end of the season.

Pundit reacts to Sheffield United takeover delay

Football League World asked pundit Carlton Palmer if the Blades' prospective owners risk starting on the wrong footing with fans if things aren't sorted soon.

Palmer said: "There's several things that are wrong at Sheffield United at the moment which need to be addressed quickly.

"How long do you think, given the job that Chris Wilder has done at Sheffield United?

"Chris Wilder is Sheffield United through and through, but don't you think other clubs are looking at the job he's done?

"He's got them at the top of the league, this takeover needs to happen quickly, so Chris can get in (players).

"When does a manager come out and be as honest as Chris Wilder?

"And say 'Do you know what, I'm not looking for a lot, we don't need to bring a lot in the building, I just want to bring in two, maybe three players'.

"Every manager in the country will be sitting there and thinking 'January transfer window, summer transfer window you want to bring in loads of players'.

"Of course you do, you want to bring in as many players as you can, but Chris has not said that.

"He's said 'If I can bring in two players to add to the squad', knowing that he's lost (Ollie) Arblaster for the rest of the season, he's said 'If I can bring in two players into the squad in January, I'm happy.'

"So, the takeover process needs to be done, and it needs to be sorted out, because they run the risk of not being promoted, and they run the risk of losing Chris Wilder.

"They're lucky that Chris is a Blade through and through, he loves the club.

"He wants to get the club and the supporters back (to the Premier League).

"But this takeover needs to happen, and it needs to happen (before) the January transfer window, so Chris can finish what he's started.

"The fans are going to get frustrated, and I know that a takeover is not straight forward, I know it's not easy, I know it takes a lot to get over the line.

"But, if you're the prospective buyers, we don't know whose fault it is.

"We're in conflicting information whether it's the prospective buyers, whether it's the outgoing chairman.

"Either way, it needs to be ratified, sorted, and allow Chris to bring in a couple of players in the January transfer window.

"The fans will be happy, and they'll be back in the Premier League."

Sheffield United need the takeover to happen prior to the January transfer window

As alluded to by Palmer, the Blades need their takeover to be completed ahead of the January transfer window, with their Premier League aspirations in mind.

The club find themselves locked in a close battle for automatic promotion alongside Leeds United, Sunderland and Burnley, and could lose serious ground if they are unable to complete the required business in the transfer market to keep up with their fellow top-two challengers.

According to Bloomberg, the Blades' prospective owners are intent on investing in the squad during the January transfer window, in order to bolster the club's chances of sealing promotion back to the Premier League.

But if the takeover has not been completed by January, then current owner Prince Adbullah is unlikely to provide Wilder with the necessary funds to purchase new players come the turn of the year, as his attention will be on his attempts to sell the club.