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It’s a period of change for Sheffield United with Ruben Selles now at the helm, and he’ll need to get his squad up to scratch if the Blades are to get promotion next season.
Unfortunately for Chris Wilder, the difference between having a job and losing it is a Tommy Watson last-gasp winner in the Championship play-off final.
Having failed in his quest to lead Sheffield United back to the Premier League, and with reported clashes over transfer strategy, Wilder was relieved of his duties with Ruben Selles stepping in immediately.
Now, all eyes will be on the new manager to see what kind of players he targets to try and take the Blades to the next level.
With this in mind, here are five signings Selles could make for Sheffield United in the summer transfer window.
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Five signings Ruben Selles must prioritise at Sheffield United
Alfie Gilchrist
It’s no secret that Sheffield United need a new right-back. Last season, Hamza Choudhury stepped in and did a great job, but he’s now returned to Leicester City following the culmination of his loan spell at Bramall Lane.
However, United can still bring back a former loanee to fill this gap. Alfie Gilchrist is available for permanent transfer after being deemed surplus to requirements at Chelsea and he impressed during his time with the Blades last season.
Injury stopped Gilchrist having more of an impact, but he showed enough to prove he’s worth signing again.
Japhet Tanganga
The likes of Crystal Palace are keen on Japhet Tanganga, who has a £1.2m release clause in his Millwall contract. If United are serious about going up in 2025/26, they have to at least try and convince the defender to join them instead.
Tanganga has got it all; he’s big, strong, quick, good with the ball at his feet, great in the air, and versatile enough to cover at full-back if needed. Simply put, he’s one of the very best defenders in the division, and he would be an absolute bargain.
Ethan Galbraith
Let’s assume Vini Souza will leave Sheffield United this summer. That will leave a massive void in the Blades midfield, but Selles could quickly establish a dream Sheffield United XI if he were to bring in someone like Ethan Galbraith.
The Leyton Orient star was one of the best players in League One last term, and is more than ready to step up to the Championship. Swansea are known to be keen, while Huddersfield Town are also making an ambitious approach, but the Blades would surely have enough to tempt the Irishman to Bramall Lane.
Tyrhys Dolan
Of all the free agents in the Championship this summer, none are more exciting or more coveted than Tyrhys Dolan. The Blackburn Rovers man produced 13 goal contributions in the league in 2024/25, leading to interest from Norwich, Derby, Middlesbrough, and a slew of clubs across Europe.
United play Gus Hamer on the left side, which works, but they lack a true creative talent on the right. That’s where Dolan would come in, and he would be the kind of signing that would absolutely transform the team in an attacking sense, and very likely propel the Blades to promotion.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
OK, hear me out. Yes, I know Dominic Calvert-Lewin has struggled with injuries and has looked a shadow of his former self, but there’s no denying that when he’s on his game, he’s a brilliant, natural goalscorer.
Calvert-Lewin can score with his feet or his head, offers excellent hold-up play, and still has plenty of years left in him. As one of the free agents in the Premier League this summer, it could be worth the gamble to bring him back to where it all began for the Sheffield United academy graduate.
The only issue would be Calvert-Lewin’s big wages, but the lure of playing for his boyhood club could be enough to mitigate that. Surely, at Championship level, the 28-year-old would be dangerous.