This article is part of Football League World's'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Sheffield United are in promotion contention in the Championship as we approach the midway point of the campaign.
The Blades will now have their sights set on the January transfer window, which could prove a crucial period in the battle for a top-two spot.
Chris Wilder will be keen to improve his first-team squad, but issues could also arise in terms of player departures, as well as the uncertainty over the ownership situation.
Getting through January unscathed could prove just as important as the addition of one or two fresh faces given the stiff competition at the top of the table.
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi fear admission
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Tom Watson, Sheffield United v Sunderland
When asked what their one biggest fear for the January window is, FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy, from Blades Ramble, admitted the departure of Jesurun Rak-Sakyi was a big concern for him.
However, he expressed his delight at Oliver Glasner confirming that Crystal Palace will not recall the winger in the new year.
“The biggest fear going into January was losing Jesurun Rak-Sakyi,” Jimmy told Football League World.
“He’s on loan from Crystal Palace, he has got a recall clause that’s valid for the first week of January, as has Alfie Gilchrist, although I haven’t as much concern about losing Alfie.
“Because I don’t think he’ll be recalled, not because I don’t think he’s important, I don’t think Alfie will be recalled.
“Rak-Sakyi started okay, but has grown significantly in importance to our team, so to lose him in January would be a real blow.
“We’re delighted that Oliver Glasner has come out and said he’s going to remain at Sheffield United for the remainder of the season, so that is fantastic news for all Blades."
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi's stats 2024/25 (as of Dec. 2nd) - per Fbref.com
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Sheffield United ownership uncertainty claim
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Luke O'Nien insists that the Black Cats are still in a good place following Friday night's defeat
Jimmy also suggested that the uncertainty surrounding the ownership dragging into January is a big fear he has ahead of the winter market.
“I don’t think we’ll sell anybody,” he continued.
“I’d be amazed if we sold anyone, considering our position, considering the momentum that we’re on at the moment.
“So, I think the only real concern is clarity for the manager in terms of the budget.
“And by that I mean, who is going to be his boss? Who is going to be at the top of the club?
“With Prince Abdullah we know the circumstances, we’re only looking at loans in January.
“With new owners, that opens up the potential for a bit of money to be spent, so we shall see.”
Sheffield United are top of the Championship table by two points after 18 games played.
Chris Wilder Sheffield United
Ownership uncertainty will hurt Sheffield United in January
New owners coming in now would be good for Sheffield United, if even just to stabilise everything behind the scenes at Bramall Lane.
Given how close we are now to the winter market opening, it would be difficult for them to have too big of an impact even if the deal was finalised right now.
But the known quantity of Prince Abdullah is not the most exciting prospect for January either due to how few funds will be available.
However, the positive is that Rak-Sakyi will remain for the second half of the term, which could prove massive for Wilder’s side.