Sheffield United are eyeing a move for Danish forward Emil Riis as they prepare for a summer of key departures.
The striker, recently released by Preston North End, is said to be attracting serious interest from the Blades following their Championship play-off heartbreak.
Blades Plot Move for Free Agent Riis Amid Expected Squad Overhaul
Chris Wilder’s side are set to regroup after missing out on an instant return to the Premier League, losing to Sunderland in the play-off final. With financial tightening expected and several first-team players potentially leaving Bramall Lane, Riis presents a rare opportunity: an experienced, Championship-ready forward available on a free.
Sheffield United & Coventry City are among a number of Championship clubs keen on Preston North End striker Emil Riis Jakobsen.
The 26yo is out of contract soon & it’s understood he’d prefer to join a club with ambitions to gain promotion to the Premier League.#SUFC #PUSB pic.twitter.com/ZEHxWAh6QR
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) June 4, 2025
According to Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, Sheffield United face competition from Coventry City, who were beaten by Sunderland in the play-off semi-finals. However, the Blades may hold an advantage, with Wilder previously trying to sign Riis while manager of Middlesbrough. Reports in 2022 suggested Boro made a £7.5 million bid for the striker, indicating long-standing admiration.
Riis leaves Deepdale after four-and-a-half years, having joined from Danish side Randers FC for a reported £1.2 million. Despite a serious knee injury that sidelined him for most of 2023, he managed 58 goal contributions in 186 games for Preston (46 goals, 12 assists), underlining his effectiveness when fit.
Speaking after scoring in his final appearance for Preston during a 2-2 draw at Bristol City, the 26-year-old hinted at his ambition to test himself higher up the ladder.
“It’s been great. I have enjoyed my time here. I came to England and just wanted to play in the Championship. I think I’ve shown that I can do that now.”
That ambition aligns with Sheffield United’s push for promotion, and despite the uncertainty surrounding their financial situation, adding a proven goal-scorer at no cost could prove to be a shrewd move. The departure of key players this summer appears inevitable, but Riis could offer an instant boost to their attacking options.
Writer’s View
This is exactly the kind of signing Sheffield United should be targeting. Emil Riis brings proven Championship quality, a track record of goals, and comes without a transfer fee—an ideal profile for a club likely facing an exodus after missing out on Premier League riches.
Chris Wilder knows the player well and has chased him before, which could prove pivotal in luring Riis to Bramall Lane. If the Blades can get this deal done early, it would be a rare piece of positive news in what could otherwise be a challenging summer for the club.
