Sheffield United’s season has been anything but stable, with several moves failing to deliver as hoped and up to four loan signings now facing the possibility of early exits in January.
Few would have predicted the Blades’ struggles in the Championship this term. Following their play-off final defeat to Sunderland last season, the club parted ways with Chris Wilder and appointed former Reading and Hull City boss Rubén Sellés.
Sellés oversaw a major squad overhaul, with several key figures from the previous campaign — including Vini Souza, Anel Ahmedhodžić, Kieffer Moore, Jack Robinson and Rhian Brewster — all departing Bramall Lane.
In their place, Sheffield United brought in 14 new players, five of whom arrived on loan: Djibril Soumaré, Tyler Bindon, Chiedozie Ogbene, Ben Godfrey and Louie Barry. However, none of the temporary signings have made the impact the club had hoped for.
Sellés’ reign was short-lived, ending after six consecutive defeats, and Wilder was quickly reinstated — though without the opportunity of a transfer window to reshape the squad.
With January approaching, Sheffield United are expected to be busy, particularly after Wilder has already added Patrick Bamford and Jairo Riedewald on free transfers. Aside from Soumaré, the remaining four loan players now look increasingly likely to depart early.
Tyler Bindon
Bindon arrived on loan from Nottingham Forest after impressing during two seasons with Reading in League One. The New Zealand international had been signed by Forest in January 2025 before returning to Reading on loan, then joining Sheffield United under Sellés.
Since Wilder’s return, however, Bindon has made just two appearances and now sits behind Mark McGuinness, Japhet Tanganga and Ben Mee in the defensive hierarchy. With limited minutes on offer, Forest may opt to recall him in January.
Chiedozie Ogbene
Ogbene joined Sheffield United on a season-long loan from Ipswich Town after falling out of favour following a lengthy spell sidelined by an Achilles injury.
Best suited to a wing-back role, Ogbene has struggled to find a place since Wilder shifted to a back four. Competition from Andre Brooks and Tahith Chong further limits his opportunities, leaving the Irishman at risk of another disrupted season. A January recall to find regular football elsewhere now looks likely.
Ben Godfrey
On paper, Godfrey’s arrival appeared to be a strong piece of business, but concerns over his fitness quickly resurfaced. The defender has struggled for consistency in recent seasons, failing to play more than 20 games in any campaign since 2021/22.
After spells with Everton, Atalanta and a brief loan at Ipswich, Godfrey arrived at Bramall Lane on significant wages. His limited involvement and salary make a January departure increasingly probable.
Louie Barry
Barry had been prolific for Stockport County before Aston Villa recalled him and loaned him to Hull City, where injuries curtailed his season. Sellés later reunited with the forward at Sheffield United, but following the manager’s dismissal, Barry’s game time has sharply declined.
With interest reported from Stoke City, Derby County, Oxford United and Hull, an early recall or loan switch now appears inevitable, with Barry unlikely to remain at Bramall Lane beyond January.
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