Sheffield United are targeting a return to the Premier League in 2025/26 after a heartbreaking end to last season.
Tommy Watson’s 95th minute Wembley winner will still be in the minds of Blades supporters everywhere after they were beaten in the Championship play-off final back in May and this summer is vital for the South Yorkshire outfit to move on.
Ruben Selles is now in charge at Bramall Lane after fans were ‘disgusted’ at Chris Wilder’s sacking and the former Hull City boss has his work cut out to ensure that his new team are in the fight for automatic promotion in 10 months’ time.
While new signings are needed, there is one player who must step up his game in the new season after a difficult time since arriving at the club and improvements must happen immediately.
Tom Cannon has to find form for Sheffield United in 2025/26
It’s fair to say more was expected of Tom Cannon after he made the switch from Leicester City to the Blades in the January transfer window for a fee that The Athletic reported to be £10m.
Tom Cannon of Sheffield United during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Leeds United FC
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
The 22-year-old had enjoyed a decent loan spell at Stoke City in the first half of the season, scoring nine goals for the Potters in 22 appearances. Four of those goals came in a 6-1 victory over Portsmouth in October, proving his quality.
However, he struggled to replicate that in S2, finding the back of the net just once in 15 league matches. A lack of confidence seemed to plague the Republic of Ireland international, and Sheffield United had to wait until the third-to-last game of the campaign to see him score.
Selles knows that he has a player full of potential in Cannon, but potential is nothing without development and supporters will be extremely keen to see that.
The Blades may have to head back into the market for a striker
After a difficult year in front of goal for both Kieffer Moore and Cannon, delving into the market for another striker may not be the end of the world for Sheffield United.
Following Vini Souza’s £12.9m departure, there is money to spend at Bramall Lane and Selles must get the prolific forward that he needs to ensure his team are fighting at the top of the division.
Ruben Selles, Manager of Hull City reacts prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Hull City AFC and Luton Town FC
Photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images
Nevertheless, now that Cannon has had a full pre-season and time to settle in, he may be able to hit the ground running and finally prove why £10m was spent on him six months ago.