Sheffield United are preparing for another gruelling season in the Championship and are looking to poach a key player from one of their promotion rivals, according to reports.
The Blades suffered a dismal relegation from the top-flight last season as supporters saw their beloved side pick up merely three victories. Furthermore, the South Yorkshire side accumulated just 16 points throughout the 2023/24 campaign which is the lowest number in the Premier League since Derby County‘s infamous relegation in 2008.
It seemed quite obvious by Christmas that Sheffield United were dropping back down to England’s second tier, but this has given the board a chance to prepare for the summer transfer window to decide potential targets to strengthen the squad.
A number of players have already been linked with moves to Bramall Lane, including Basel star Liam Millar who spent the entirety of last season on loan at Preston North End where he bagged five goals and recorded five assists in 36 appearances. It has been reported that the Canada international will sign for the Blades permanently once the Copa America concludes.
Now, journalist Alan Nixon is claiming that Sheffield United are eyeing up a deal for Norwich City fullback Sam McCallum, although the Yorkshire club face competition from fellow Championship side Stoke City who are also keen to bolster their backline after a difficult campaign last time out.
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Nixon has revealed that the Blades are limited in what they can spend this summer due to ongoing takeover talks but McCallum could be a deal that can be completed as the 23-year-old is out of contract at the end of this week and is set to be a free agent, although he does have a market value of £1 million, as per Transfermarkt, meaning there may be re-sale value for the wide defender in the future.
Writer’s View
The former Queens Park Rangers loanee is not set to stay at Carrow Road unless something drastic occurs in the situation and Norwich have a change of heart, although this is certainly unlikely. His future is now up in the air but perhaps a move to Sheffield United is actually a step up for the fullback given that the Blades have a better chance of being promoted next season.
Nevertheless, if Chris Wilder’s side are to earn promotion to the Premier League once more, they need to strengthen their defensive line. The club conceded a record number of goals last season in the competition – 104 goals in 38 matches – but at least the board have recognised the need for some quality at the back, hence the interest in McCallum.
