Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has confirmed Mark McGuinness and Nils Zatterstrom are both available for moves this summer.
Sheffield United have been eager to refresh the ranks this summer, but a slow window to date has concerned fans. SUFC want new faces but fringe players need to depart first, and two lined up for exits are Mark McGuinness and Nils Zatterstrom.
The centre-back pair have been widely reported as two who are free to leave, and Chris Wilder has now confirmed the situation to The Star. He said: “I think there will be takers for both. They’ve played or been involved in pre-season. They understand it, their agents understand it and they’re working hard on it.
“Both of the boys’ attitudes in pre-season have been outstanding but sometimes there are decisions that you have to make. They all want to go and play first-team football as well. Mark never came here to not be involved and Nils wanted to push to get into the first team.”
What issue are Sheffield United facing amid McGuinness, Zatterstrom exit stance?
Unfortunately for Sheffield United, there is a clear issue in defence. There is a desire to offload McGuinness permanently and Zatterstrom needs minutes out on loan, but SUFC do not have the luxury of defensive depth behind them.
The out-of-favour duo are two of just four natural centre-backs on the books at Bramall Lane. Japhet Tanganga will retain a key role, and the other is the emerging Jamal Baptiste.
If both McGuinness and Zatterstrom do depart, it can be argued that the Blades need to sign as many as three centre-backs. This is to ensure they have both the quality in the starting and ample depth to cover for injuries and suspensions.
Harry Souttar is being pursued by SUFC but comes with a hefty £10m valuation and rival interest. Alternative options are being considered, but they are being kept under wraps by the club well at the moment.
Harry Souttar’s Sheffield United stats
Of course, those within the club hierarchy will hope to keep transfer business to themselves. That said, the little noise around centre-back targets is a bit of a concern for supporters, who are desperate to see their ranks strengthened.
The Verdict: Poor summer could set up another underwhelming Sheffield United season
There was a lot of talk about a Sheffield United rebuild this summer. After over six weeks of the transfer window, the only two players to join are Romelle Donovan (loan) and Matt Doherty (free transfer).
Further ownership uncertainty is undoubtedly playing a part at SUFC, but that only emphasises concerns among supporters. After such a disappointing 2025/26, nowhere near enough has been done on the transfer front to convince fans that their fortunes will turn around next term.
Unless the Blades can make an influx of signings over the coming weeks, they risk another slow start to the season. And, if the rest of the window fails to deliver, it could be a long year in the Championship.
Wilder has committed to a new contract with the goal of getting Sheffield United back to their previous heights. But, without real backing from the hierarchy, he faces an uphill battle to do so.
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