📝 DEAL DONE: Sheffield United have signed Luke Freeman from Queens Park Rangers for around £5m on a 3-year contract. (Source: @SUFC_tweets) pic.twitter.com/ZHy7u3e0mR
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 3, 2019
As Sheffield United aim to get back to the Premier League at the first time of asking following their relegation back to the Championship last season, optimism is growing thanks to a solid start from Chris Wilder’s troops. The Blades have also recruited well, with the likes of Kieffer Moore joining the club from AFC Bournemouth. The clubs’ transfer dealings haven’t always been the best, though.
Premier League relegation down to poor recruitment
For many passionate members of the Blades faithful, last season’s relegation was largely due to a summer of missed targets and key departures. In a competition where the likes of Liverpool have odds to win the Premier League of 11/4, teams like the Reds consistently evolve and strengthen their chances of success in the process. Following promotion, the Blades failed to do the same, with a distinct lack of proven quality coming through the door.
While the likes of Gustavo Hamer could probably be considered a success, the Blades were well off the pace from the very first whistle back in England’s top flight. The 3-0 defeat to Spurs on the last day of the season, a team currently priced at 2/1 when assessing Premier League top 4 odds, was a low moment for many Blades fans. Relegation was inevitable, but it felt like Sheffield United’s fate was sealed before a Premier League ball had even been kicked.
Of course, recruitment wasn’t the only cause of Sheffield United’s top-flight demise, but it certainly didn’t help matters. The club also has form for signing an array of duds. Thankfully, this season, there appears to be more of a plan in place after a fruitful summer of signings, such as Callum O Hare’s four-year deal. Although, the past shouldn’t be ignored. With that in mind, let’s take a look back at some of Sheffield United’s worst signings from recent times.
Lys Mousset
Most Blades fans will remember Lys Mousset, not only because he had undoubted ability, but also because he simply couldn’t get into any sort of rhythm. Despite never-ending issues with injuries and fitness, though, the French forward still managed to finish the 2019–20 season as joint highest scorer with six goals. Mousset arrived at the club from AFC Bournemouth, having previously spent time at Le Havre, the French side that has helped produce numerous talents over the years, including the likes of Dimitri Payet, Riyad Mahrez, and Lassana Diarra.
Robin Olsen
When Robin Olsen joined the club in September 2021, it appeared to be a coup given his pedigree. The former Roma goalkeeper was a major disappointment, though, and started terribly after an unforgettable error on his debut. The Swedish international then picked up a serious injury, only to then seal a surprise move to Premier League side Aston Villa after failing to inspire confidence at the Blades. Blades fans clearly didn’t see the best of a player with undoubted ability given the moves he has made since his time at the club.
Oliver Burke
Oliver Burke – Werder Bremen to Birmingham City on loan (2023)
10th club of his career for the Scotsman. #DeadlineDay pic.twitter.com/QpBDQ8xozj
— Transfersthathappened (@actualtransfers) September 2, 2023
A player with plenty of pace who perhaps lacks a bit of intelligence on the pitch, Oliver Burke was an undoubted dud. All pace and no brains, Burke scored just once in 28 games for the club and frustrated fans almost every week due to his distinct lack of end product. The former West Brom man is now on-loan at League One side Birmingham City, a level he could potentially thrive at. There’s also a strong chance Sheffield United could come up against Burke’s blistering pace in the future given Birmingham’s potential.
Special mention must also go to Ben Woodburn, Ricky Holmes, and Charlie Goode.
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