Sheffield United started this Championship season as one of the favourites, but the first three games have produced all but one point and one scored goal. It seems a lack of pre-season and transfers is costing them.
In July, the Blades appointed Slaviša Jokanović as their manager. He has had proven success in the Championship with promotions to the Premier League with Fulham and Watford. With this experience, it was expected he would also bring prospective players. But so far, he has failed to do so with more outgoings from the team than coming in.
The Blades have tried to move in for several signings. But only two have been confirmed, with Ben Davies joining on loan from Liverpool, and Conor Hourihane joining on loan from Aston Villa.
Davies has already made his debut for Sheffield United, starting against Huddersfield in the Championship. But the Blades continued their no-win streak and lost 1-2. The centre-back wasn’t unimpressive, but a loss doesn’t seem great against a defender. But having moved to Liverpool only this year, there is clearly something good about Davies.
A glimpse of hope comes in Hourihane, who has plenty of championship experience. The midfielder will hopefully be able to help Sheffield United in their weak area, scoring goals. The Blades have also struggled with set pieces and getting past the first man, so the squad will hope that the 5ft 11 midfielder can help the team bag some goals. In the previous season, he managed to score five goals in 19 appearances for Swansea. With so much championship experience, he will be a great asset to the Blades attack.
United still need to make some more signings in the few days they have left to do so. Ideally, the team need to find themselves a goalkeeper after letting Aaron Ramsdale leave for Premier League side Arsenal for a £24 million fee with add-ons. But the question is, who should they bring in?
Recently they have shown interest in free agent Willy Caballero. The ex-Chelsea man has a wealth of experience and would probably be rated as one of the best in the Championship. If the Blades can swoop in for the Argentine their defence would strengthen heavily. His age makes some fans sceptical about the signing, but there’s no reason he couldn’t help the Blades with their current form.
In addition to a goalkeeper, the Blades need to look towards who they can bring in up-front. But who do you bring in? The Blades have multiple top Championship goal scorers in their team in the form of Rhian Brewster, Billy Sharp and Oli McBurnie. These players, however, must start scoring. It doesn’t seem like there is room to replace or bring in any new strikers at the club this transfer window.
The next signings need to be key for the Blades. Time is of the essence if the Sheffield side wants to avoid relegation.