Sheffield United sign Everton striker and free agent gem in £84m dream promoted XI - if rumours are true
How Sheffield United could line up next season if they achieve promotion to the Premier League
Sheffield United are on course to secure an immediate return to the Premier League at the first time of asking as they compete with Leeds United and Burnley for one of the two Championship automatic promotion spots.
Many people wrote off the Blades in pre-season after their disastrous 16-point campaign in the Premier League last term and the added setback of starting this season with a two-point deduction.
However, the Blades have been imperious throughout the campaign so far under Chris Wilder and have spent almost the entirety of the year in one of the two automatic promotion zones as they look to secure a third promotion to the Premier League in six seasons.
The South Yorkshire outfit are a prime example of just how difficult the jump from Championship to Premier League can be but fans can take some satisfaction from the fact that they were able to record a ninth place finish under Wilder during the 2019/20 season, marking one of the team’s best seasons in recent history and arguably marking one of the most successful promoted teams of the last decade.
Investment and shrewd acquisitions will be crucial this summer if Sheffield United do win promotion and want to make more of a fist of life in the top-flight. With that in mind, we have taken a look at the rumour mill to look at the players the Blades could add to their side if Wilder does achieve promotion and what their new-look XI could look like.
Sheffield United’s new-look defence
Former Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper Michael Cooper has conceded just 23 goals and kept 19 clean sheets in 36 outings since arriving at Bramall Lane. The 25-year-old has proven an excellent replacement for Wes Foderingham and look likely to keep his place in the team for years to come.
The Blades are in need of a right-back and take advantage of Southampton’s likely relegation with a move for soon-to-be free agent and former England international Kyle Walker-Peters. He was one of Southampton's best players last season. He’s expected to leave St Mary's this summer, although Tottenham have been linked and would likely win any race.
At centre-back Jimmy Dunne could be a target from QPR. Sheffield United have been backed to resurrect their interest in previous transfer target Dunne this summer. The QPR defender has fired in five goals and has been hugely solid this term. He’s out of contract and could be available on a free transfer. The 26-year-old Anel Ahmedhodzic has been a regular for two seasons and is likely to keep his place at the heart of the defence. Jack Robinson and loanee Harry Clarke could also play in this area. While Harry Souttar, who did well during his loan spell could be targeted once he returns from injury.
One of the signings of the summer, ex-Peterborough star Harrison Burrows continues to go from strength to strength and has been a constant source of creativity with five goals and three assists. The left-back has seamlessly made the leap from League One to Championship and will hope to do the same if the Blades reach the top-flight.
A familiar midfield and an emotional reunion
The Brazilian Vinicius Souza has been integral force in the Blades’ promotion push and is blessed with great tenacity, work ethic and aggression.He partners Sydie Peck, who at 20-years-old has had a fine season in midfield with 34 appearances. Callum O’Hare, A shrewd singing from Coventry City, adds creativity and flair to Chris Wilder’s side in the central attacking midfield position.
Meanwhile, Another recruit from Coventry, Gustavo Hamer, plays at left midfield after impressing during the relegation season while also enjoying a stellar campaign this term. On the opposite wing, Sheffield United fans will be keen to keep the Crystal Palace youngster Jesurun Rak-Sakyi on board after a solid loan move from Selhurst Park.
Up top Dominic Calvert-Lewin, a striker born and bred up in Sheffield could be a target. His injury record isn’t the best, but he’s a lifelong fan and a proven goalscorer who is set to become a free agent this summer. His wage demands could be a hurdle though.
Full Sheffield United team: Michael Cooper, Walker-Peters, Dunne, Ahmedhodzic, Burrows, Souza, Peck, O’Hare, Hamer, Rak-Sakyi, Calvert-Lewin.