Sheffield United have strengthened their defensive ranks with the double addition of international defender Mark McGuinness and experienced campaigner Ben Mee, taking the club’s tally of summer arrivals to 13.

McGuinness on Signing For the BladesLUTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 21: Mark McGuinness of Luton Town looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Luton Town FC and Bristol City FC at Kenilworth Road on April 21, 2025 in Luton, England. (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images)

McGuinness, 24, has agreed a four-year deal with the Blades after completing a move late in the window from Luton Town.

The commanding centre-half spoke to the club’s media with excitement about joining United and the prospect of playing at Bramall Lane.

“It has been a bit of a crazy window and obviously things can happen late, but Sheffield United has been a club which has been in my mind ever since I heard that there was some interest

“There’s one thing for sure, and you can ask anyone in the game, whenever people talk about Bramall Lane, they’ll always mention the fans and the atmosphere. I remember walking down the tunnel and you hear the music and the pre-match anthem; it’s a great feeling. The stadium is always packed, it is a good atmosphere, and I know the club is well supported, so with all that in mind, I think this club is a perfect match.

“I sat next to Chongy [Tahith Chong] in the dressing room, and I’ll probably sit next to him here! I know Chieo [Ogbene] as well obviously, they are top guys and more importantly they are top players. I am excited to play alongside them, and others, I’m just looking forward to getting started.”

Sheffield United Sign Ben MeeBRENTFORD, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Ben Mee of Brentford during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Brentford and Sheffield Wednesday at Gtech Community Stadium on October 29, 2024 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Alongside McGuinness, Sheffield United have also confirmed the signing of Ben Mee on a one-year contract with the option to extend. The 34-year-old had been training with the squad over recent weeks and now joins permanently, adding a wealth of Premier League and Championship experience to Ruben Selles’ group.

Mee told SUTV: “It is good to finally be a Sheffield United player, having been around the club and group for the last two weeks. The atmosphere could be better, but that’s because of results not going our way and hopefully things are going to turn around.

“There is a good, young group of players here that is full of talent, so hopefully I can add a bit of experience to that. I appreciated the opportunity to come and train here initially and I’ve been trying to help around the place.”

Blades Have Heavily Invested in the Defence This Summer

The addition of McGuinness and Mee further bolsters United’s defensive options. Even at the beginning of the window whilst the Blades still had Anel Ahmedhodzic, centre-back was thought of as a position which needed investment due to contract duration of both Ahmedhodzic and Robinson.

United reluctantly sold Ahmedhodzic a week before the season started, but they’ve subsequently invested in this area of the team seeing standout Championship defender Japhet Tanganga sign on a three-year deal, along with McGuinness and of course Mee. Nils Zatterstrom is another central defender with great potential that’s penned a long-term deal with the Blades

The loan acquisition of Ben Godfrey was also a great pick-up due to his ability to play right-back or centrally. Tyler Bindon’s loan from Nottingham Forest hasn’t started overly positively, nevertheless he is still only 20 and could improve very quickly with experience, especially with a mentor like Mee at the club.

The sheer number of centre-backs at the club may point to a change in shape with a shift to a back three on the cards.