Sheffield United could be subject to an onslaught of interest from one Premier League club over key player.
Following Sheffield United’s 2024/25 season, which saw them fall at the final hurdle in the Championship play-off final, the Blades were always set to be met with interest in their top stars.
Gus Hamer has been linked with a move to PSV, whilst Premier League clubs have previously sounded out the midfielder as a top option.
Whilst Hamer would be difficult for Ruben Selles to replace for Sheffield United, considering how well he shone last season under Chris Wilder, there is one man who the Blades simply cannot lose under any circumstances.
Michael Cooper was a revelation at Bramall Lane last season, playing an integral role in Sheffield United recording a fantastic defensive record. Selles will be keen to keep Cooper at the club under all circumstances; however, one recent update in the Premier League could see Sheffield United bombarded with interest for the star.
Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty ImagesSheffield United may need to prepare for Burnley interest in Michael Cooper amid James Trafford saga
With two weeks until the 2025/26 Championship season kicks off, there is much emphasis on Sheffield United ensuring that key players are kept. However, there could be a challenge awaiting the Blades as they look to ensure that Michael Cooper stays at Bramall Lane ahead of the upcoming season.
According to Fabrizio Romano on X, Burnley are set to lose James Trafford, with the young English shot-stopper moving back to his former club, Man City.
After losing their goalkeeper, Scott Parker’s Burnley will no doubt be proactively searching for a replacement, and it would be no surprise to see the Clarets identify Sheffield United’s Cooper as a like-for-like replacement.
🚨🔵 EXCLUSIVE: Manchester City agree deal to sign James Trafford as new goalkeeper, here we go!
Deal in place with Burnley under value of £40m buy back clause. Trafford said yes to Man City as Pep Guardiola wanted him.
Newcastle are also informed about Trafford’s decision. pic.twitter.com/UG4X3V2lsZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 25, 2025
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Losing Michael Cooper would be devastating for the Blades
Out of the entire Blades squad, no player would be more difficult for Sheffield United to replace than Michael Cooper.
He shone far beyond expectations last season, and much of Sheffield United’s success sourced from his fine shot-stopping and ability to kick-start attacks with his assured, yet consistent distribution. Chris Wilder described him as a ‘tidy’ asset to the team last season, via the club website, and the former Blades man was spot on with his verdict.
Integrating a new goalkeeper into the mix now would be a challenge for Sheffield United, especially as there would be expectations of replicating the brilliant performances of Cooper.
There are decent goalkeeper options out there, but none will come close to Cooper, who Sheffield United must keep at all costs.