Sheffield United have a host of top players in their ranks and they’ll be hoping to return to the Premier League for next season.
Sheffield United embarked on a significant rebuild after they were relegated from the Premier League last year. SUFC had a number of out of contract players and many of them moved on.
A lot of those who departed were long-serving mainstays, so Chris Wilder had a tough task on his hands replacing both key players and influential leaders. He has done so successfully though, sitting 2nd in the Championship table and level on points with leaders Leeds United.
SUFC - Sheffield United players celebrate with Gustavo Hamer
Image courtesy of: JASON CAIRNDUFF/REUTERS.
However, there is still a chance the Bramall Lane side slip out of the top two, then the lottery of the play-offs could throw up a real surprise.
Sheffield United are still at risk of missing out on promotion, and there are a handful of big players who would likely leave if that is the case. Here, we highlight three of them…
Vinicius Souza
Sheffield United have a handful of players capable of playing above Championship level and without a doubt, defensive midfielder Vinicius Souza is among them.
The Brazilian ace was one of the few players who came through last season with some credit in the bank and it was expected that he would move on after relegation. That wasn’t the case though and when available, Souza has been crucial this season.
Unfortunately, if SUFC can’t deliver top-flight football next season, Souza will likely be on the move.
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SUFC - Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
Anel Ahmedhodzic
Anel Ahmedhodzic, who turns 26 next week, is a centre-back held in high regard and some might have expected him to be playing at a higher level by now.
However, he firmed the drop to the Championship with Sheffield United and has maintained his crucial role in the heart of Chris Wilder’s backline.
Promotion should be enough to keep him but there is always a chance he heads for pastures new regardless. If the bid collapses though, Ahmedhodzic will almost certainly depart SUFC.
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Gustavo Hamer
Last but not least is Gustavo Hamer, who was previously regarded as one of the Championship’s best midfielders at Coventry City. As such, it wasn’t a surprise to see him make a good impression in the top-flight, but eyebrows were raised when a move away was not secured after the Blades’ relegation.
Another season in the second-tier will not be on Hamer’s radar though. Turning 28 in the summer, the Brazilian might not have long before the chance to play at a higher level – perhaps even European football – passes him by.
As such, failure to win promotion will almost certainly see him move on from Sheffield United.
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