After missing out on Championship promotion, Sheffield United are now reportedly expected to attempt a summer move to sign a bargain defender for Chris Wilder and his side.
Sheffield United suffer Wembley heartbreak
When Tyrese Campbell rounded off an excellent Sheffield United counterattack, much thanks to the work of Gustavo Hamer, it looked as though the Blades were destined for the Premier League – as had been the case for much of the campaign. Wilder’s side were then left in the ultimate dreamland when Harrison Burrows’ effort raced beyond Anthony Patterson before the break.
Burrows’ effort is where things truly began to go wrong, however, with VAR intervening to chalk Sheffield United’s second goal when Vinicius Souza was adjudged to have blocked Patterson’s view in an offside position. In that moment, Sunderland fans were left relieved and Regis Le Bris’ side were awoken.
"Awesome" Sheffield United star could leave with Hamer after playoff defeat
This would be a huge blow for Chris Wilder.
ByHenry JacksonMay 25, 2025
Adding salt to the Sheffield United wounds, it took until the 76th minute for Eliezer Mayenda to equalise before Tommy Watson came from the bench to score a heartbreaking Sunderland winner.
Wilder, like many, was left in disbelief at just how his side missed out on promotion. He told reporters: “Congratulations to Sunderland, the manager and the players for the achievements this season and going into the Premier League.
“It’s a tough one to take from our point of view. Defining moments in the game I get. We never really felt in danger even sort of second half. Of course they’ve got to open up and try and get back into the game we just needed to be better on that turnover.”
The Blades must now turn their focus towards the summer transfer window and next season, in which they will hope that 90 points is enough to secure their place back in the Premier League.
Sheffield United expected to make Dunne move
Whilst turning their focus towards the summer, new arrivals will of course be on the agenda for those at Bramall Lane. And that could yet include an experienced Championship defender. According to The Star, Sheffield United are expected to make an attempt to sign Jimmy Dunne this summer, who is set to leave Queens Park Rangers as a free agent next month.
The Blades attempted to sign the defender in January, but ultimately failed in their pursuit. Now, six months later, Wilder could finally get the defensive reinforcement that he has been craving.
It was in the January transfer window that former QPR manager Marti Cifuentes reiterated the importance of Dunne in his side, telling reporters: “I don’t have anything from the club perspective about it.
“Jimmy for me, is a very important player. I know that he loves to be at QPR and loves the club, and we love him. We’ll see what happens, but he is a very important player for us.”
Now, it’s Sheffield United who could get the chance to see the defender’s importance in action as they go in pursuit of a bargain deal to commence their summer transfer window.