Sheffield United must avoid triple transfer exit - It could make them millions, but is it worth it? | OneFootball

Sheffield United face a battle to keep hold of Vini Souza, Ollie Arblaster and Gus Hamer following their failure to win promotion.

Sheffield United knew that their play-off final defeat to Sunderland would be costly.

When Tommy Watson curled in the stoppage time winner at Wembley, it didn’t just condemn the Blades to another season in the Championship. It meant they missed out on the riches of the Premier League, and it would be the last time several players pulled on the red-and-white shirt.

Of course, this is nothing new for clubs who fall short in the promotion race. Leeds United were defeated by Southampton last year, and within a matter of months, Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray and Georginio Rutter had all departed. It’s the way football works.

Sheffield United set for busy summer transfer window

However, unlike their Yorkshire rivals, Sheffield United aren’t in as precarious a financial position with PSR, so the overhaul need not be as severe.

But, that hasn’t stopped the transfer talk starting, with a host of clubs linked with Gustavo Hamer. Furthermore, Brighton are believed to be tracking Ollie Arblaster, and there are doubts about the future of Vini Souza.

As outlined above, some sales are inevitable, and the money-men at Bramall Lane will be aware that at least one high-profile exit may be required to balance the books.

As well as that, it’s natural that the players will want to move on. In the case of Hamer, Souza and Arblaster, it’s fair to say that all are capable of playing at a higher level.

Nevertheless, this is Sheffield United’s chance to show they remain ambitious, and that players can fulfill their long-term goals with the club.

Sheffield United must build for 2025/26 promotion push

And, ripping Chris Wilder’s midfield apart is not the way to go about things.

With Souza and Hamer under contract until 2027, and Arblaster’s deal running for a further 12 months on top of that, Sheffield United are in a position to command decent fees for their star men if they do cash in.

Yet, whilst three sales could bring in the best part of £50m, it drastically reduces the Blades’ promotion hopes, and reaching the Premier League is worth at least double that.

Again, realistically, Sheffield United will need to sanction one or two sales, and Wilder will be given some of those funds to do the business he wants.

But, to lose three players in the same position, and three big characters as well, would be a major setback, and it would disrupt the dynamic at the club, along with reducing the quality of the group considerably.

The change in ownership brought some relief and optimism at Bramall Lane after a tough final few years under Prince Abdullah. The US consortium that bought the club now have their feet under the table, and they will be judged on how this summer plays out.