Sheffield United are in a crucial period in their season, and another big month lays ahead as the January transfer window nears.
Sheffield United are starting to turn their season around as things begin to click under Chris Wilder. SUFC are unbeaten in six, winning four and drawing two in that run.
There’s a long way to go before the Blades are back at the levels desired, but Wilder has worked well with the group he’s inherited at Bramall Lane. He will have a chance to shuffle the ranks in January, with several loan players set to see their deals cancelled.
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One area unlikely to be focused on is the striker department. With Patrick Bamford’s recent free transfer signing, the Steel City side are well-stocked on options at the top of the pitch.
However, with such depth, opportunities have been a little more limited for Ryan One. As January nears, Sheffield United should consider sanctioning a temporary exit for the talented Scot.
The benefits of a winter loan for Ryan One
One has played 22 times for the Sheffield United first-team overall. Of those, the vast majority have been off the bench, and only six of them have been in the 2025/26 Championship campaign.
The 19-year-old has remained a regular around the squad, only sitting out of the matchday squad entirely on seven occasions. Spending time around experienced talismen such as Bamford and Danny Ings can have a great influence on his development too.
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However, it is hard to argue against the notion that the young striker needs to go and play. He has proven he’s ready for first-team football, experiencing a decent amount with SUFC and at former club Hamilton Academical.
Going and starting regularly over the second half of the campaign could set One up for a breakthrough 2026/27 at Bramall Lane. He has all the physical attributes to be a hit, but he needs to play regularly to learn how to put them to the most effective use and round out his game.
A stint in League One could be ideal, or a return to Scotland.
No doubts over Ryan One’s long-term Sheffield United future
One might be on the fringes of the first-team at the moment, but there are no doubts over his potential at Sheffield United. Wilder has spoken very highly of the youngster on multiple occasions and his presence around the squad shows the value seen in him by the boss.
Keeping him around the ranks to learn from the likes of Bamford and Ings will have benefits too. However, they might not outweigh the value of starting football for half a season.
Ryan One’s first-team football stats
As the aforementioned duo get older, preparing One to step into their shoes will be a smart move. Giving him exposure will be the best way to do so.
One will not be short of admirers if the door opens for him to head out temporarily, and it could just breathe life into his SUFC senior career.