Chris Wilder must advise Sheffield United star not to make career-defining mistake amid Premier League links

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Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder cannot let one Blades man make a mistake that could hamper his incredible development.

Sheffield United are gearing up for the 2025/26 Championship season.

Having fallen at the final hurdle in the Championship play-off final against Sunderland, the Blades will be expecting another push towards promotion under Chris Wilder this campaign.

Unfortunately, Wilder may have to deal with a handful of departures from his squad, with Sheffield United star Gus Hamer notably attracting interest.

Another player who has been linked with a move away from Bramall Lane is Blades shot-stopper Michael Cooper, but it could be a deal that may potentially derail all of his fantastic progress this season…enter Chris Wilder.

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Chris Wilder must ensure that Michael Cooper doesn’t become second-choice at Premier League side

Reports from Alan Nixon on Patreon have cited that Premier League side Everton are interested in Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper.

It is no surprise to see Cooper’s name thrown into the Premier League transfer ring, but Nixon suggests that the Blades man would play second-fiddle to England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

Coming off the back of a dazzling season at Sheffield United, the last thing that Cooper needs is to have his game-time severely hampered, especially when he is good enough to be a first-team shot-stopper at Premier League level.

As a young goalkeeper, Cooper may need that direction from an experienced head to make the correct decision, and Wilder will no doubt tell him that the grass isn’t always greener and that game time has to be his priority.

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Chris Wilder would struggle to replace Michael Cooper

Looking at the season just gone, Cooper played an integral role in Sheffield United’s success – conceding just 33 goals in 43 games and keeping 21 clean sheets is a brilliant return.

His performances played a huge role in Sheffield United making Bramall Lane a fortress, conceding just 14 in 21 at home, and that is something that can’t be easily replicated.

Wilder will no doubt know what is best for Cooper on a personal level and for his development, but the Blades boss will have his own selfish desire to retain his star goalkeeper, and nobody could blame him.

He has shown to be a top goalkeeper for both Plymouth Argyle and Sheffield United and keeping him for another season will feel like a new signing for Wilder.