Sheffield United should go all in for one Hull City star who is showing shades of a young Harry Maguire.
The Blades are gearing up for the 2025/26 Championship season, this time under the stewardship of new Sheffield United boss Ruben Selles.
Sheffield United parted ways with Chris Wilder as a result of a change of club approach, one that has seemingly divided the fanbase.
Whilst a rather controversial decision from the new board, they could soon win back the favour of the supporters with some hair-raising signings that massively bolster Selles’ options next season.
As revealed exclusively by EFL Analysis, Sheffield United is the most likely destination for Chris Mepham – a deal that would certainly kick-start a brilliant summer for the Blades. However, if such a pursuit falls down, they should turn all attention to the next Harry Maguire, who currently plays for Hull City.
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Sheffield United should target Hull City ace Charlie Hughes
Whilst the Tigers suffered a pretty disastrous 2024/25 campaign, staying up in the Championship on goal difference, just a year after narrowly missing out on the play-offs, their defensive record was one to be admired.
Hull were the lowest scorers in the division, but only shipped 54 goals because of their solid defence, one that Selles constructed.
At the heart of that backline was Charlie Hughes, a former Wigan Athletic defender who, in his debut Championship season, showed incredible talent and maturity to adapt to the increase in level. His stature is very reminiscent of a young Harry Maguire, who shone for both Sheffield United and Hull City during his career.
As a ball-playing, tough-tackling defender and a leader, Hughes would be a phenomenal purchase for the Blades.
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Charlie Hughes would love to play under Ruben Selles again
Not only could such a deal be likely because of Hull City CEO Acun Ilicali’s streak of chopping-and-changing with players, like he does with coaches, but Hughes has previously shown his public support for Selles, at a time when his job was in danger.
Selles’ job dismissal at Hull City was a controversial one, not just amongst the fans, but clearly amongst the players too, after what Hughes said about the situation following the Tigers’ survival.
Per the Hull Daily Mail, Hughes said: “Stats don’t lie. I’ve seen a few stats since he’s come in, and what he’s done. I don’t think there’s any debate in that because, like I said, stats don’t lie, and I think I’ve seen them for what he’s done since he’s come in. He’s been great, and I mean the lads have a great relationship with him.
“I don’t read all sorts outside of the training ground, and I don’t read social media. I’ve heard rumours, but listen, all I’ll say is that me and the lads have a great relationship with the manager. Since he’s come in, the lads are grateful for what he’s done for us.
“We don’t see any debate in it. For me and the lads, I think we really get along with him and don’t have any problem here, so there’s no debate for us.”
Because of Hughes’ unwavering support for Selles, it would be safe to assume that the defender wouldn’t turn down the option of working for him once again at Sheffield United.