Sheffield United are keen to rebuild after missing out on promotion to the top-flight and have now made contact to sign a star who is thriving in the EFL, according to a report.
Sheffield United set to go again despite managerial uncertainty
The Blades will still be feeling the heartache of their EFL Championship playoff final defeat to Sunderland last month, though there is plenty of talent present at Bramall Lane as they prepare for another tilt at promotion next term.
Nevertheless, Sheffield United chiefs are said to be deliberating over whether to sack Chris Wilder following a frustrating conclusion to their bid for Premier League football, with no decision yet made as to if he will still be in charge by the time pre-season commences.
In spite of conflicting opinions, BBC reporter Nick Staton believes Wilder deserves to lead the Blades into 2025/26 and that criticism of the man at the helm is simply unwarranted.
“Wilder is United’s best ever boss. This isn’t to undermine the brilliant work of Dave Bassett, but the game’s changed. Football has never been more challenging or dominated by money.
“A manager’s job is harder than it was 30 years ago. Considerably so, in my opinion. Even in defeat, Wilder should be praised. There’s nobody better to get things going again next season.”
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Sheffield United are now in a race to sign a Championship striker on a free transfer.
Inevitably, time marches on and so does the focus of a particular club. Sheffield United have already identified free agent forward Emil Riis Jakobsen as a target, illustrating that plans are already in place regardless of who is in the dugout.
Continuing that theme, the Blades are now interested in bringing a versatile star to Yorkshire who only has one year remaining on his current contract.
According to Football Insider, Sheffield United have made contact to sign Ethan Galbraith from Leyton Orient by virtue of registering their interest in the Northern Ireland international’s services.
Swansea City are also in the mix, and it is said that the League One outfit could look to cash in on the versatile 24-year-old, who can play at right-back, in central midfield or on either flank.
Ethan Galbraith’s excellent campaign for Leyton Orient – all competitions
Appearances
51
Goals
6
Assists
8
Labelled “unbelievable” by Richie Wellens, the Manchester United academy graduate helped his side to the playoff final before Charlton Athletic saw them off, and his ability to function in several different roles has drawn attention on the market.
Earning four caps for Northern Ireland, Galbraith is wanted by at least one other unnamed second-tier club and may represent an inexpensive option due to his contractual situation.
However, you get the feeling that Wilder’s future will need to be decided before the Blades can proceed on this one. Hopefully, a conclusion on that front can be reached sooner rather than later.