Sheffield United are gearing up for an uncertain summer after their heartbreaking play-off final defeat to Sunderland last month.
The Blades will expect to be in the promotion hunt once again next season, but Chris Wilder will know that departures are required as the club prepares for another year outside the top-flight.
ethan galbraith sheffield united chris wilder Related
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FLW's Blades fan pundit believes the 24-year-old would be a good option ahead of next season's promotion push
Sadly, that means departures are inevitable, and clubs will no doubt be looking to see who they can prise from Bramall Lane.
4 West Ham considering transfer move for Sydie Peck
And, one man in demand is Sydie Peck, with the midfielder having enjoyed a real breakthrough campaign in the 2024/25 season.
Whilst he had always been highly-rated, Peck became a key figure under Wilder after an injury to Ollie Arblaster opened up a place in the XI.
Sydie Peck's 2024/25 Championship Stats (Source: Sofascore)
Appearances
Starts
Goals
Assists
Big chances created
Interceptions per game
Tackles per game
Balls recovered per game
Yellow cards
Red cards
The youngster took that opportunity, and it has been claimed that West Ham are tracking the 20-year-old ahead of the new season. And, here we look at THREE reasons why the Londoners will want to get a deal done for Peck…
3 He would bring energy and mobility to their team
Kelechi Iheanacho x Sydie Peck
A problem for West Ham this season has been the lack of pace and mobility in the middle of the park.
The likes of Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse and Tomas Soucek are good players in their own right, but they struggle to cover the ground quickly.
Given his age, Peck is someone who will add real bite and intensity to the West Ham midfield, and that energy is something they desperately lack.
So, whilst he may not be a regular week in, week out, he has qualities that Graham Potter needs to ensure the Londoners kick-on.
2 He has the potential to improve
Graham Potter - West Ham
Clearly, Peck would be signed for the long-term in mind.
At 20, nobody would expect him to join the Hammers and immediately become a key man, even if he could make an impact.
Nevertheless, Peck would be seen as a project signing, and his potential would no doubt excite the recruitment team at West Ham.
Peck has just excelled in the Championship, which not many do at his age, and he has plenty of talent that can be nurtured by Potter.
From West Ham’s perspective, the England youth international is a player that could be a part of their side for the next decade and beyond, which makes him an attractive option.
1 He could be available this summer
Sydie Peck for Sheffield United
Finally, as outlined above, Sheffield United’s failure to win promotion means this could be the ideal moment for West Ham to strike.
If Sheffield United had gone up, or if they do in 12 months' time, the reality is that the Blades will be in a much stronger position to retain Peck - and any fee would increase.
Instead, another year in the Championship beckons, and the hierarchy of the Yorkshire outfit will know a big sale or two is required to help balance the books and to give Wilder the funds he needs to do business this summer.
So, if West Ham put up the cash, they may be in a position to bring Peck to the capital.