Mark McGuinness left for Luton Town two years ago but after suffering relegation and a disappointing year in Sheffield, his future looks uncertain
08:30, 25 May 2026Updated 08:31, 25 May 2026
Mark McGuinness of Sheffield United(Image: Getty Images)
Former Cardiff City defender Mark McGuinness is reportedly facing an uncertain future at Sheffield United just one year after his move to Bramall Lane.
According to a report from The Sheffield Star, the centre-back could become one of the next casualties of Chris Wilder’s summer rebuild following a difficult debut campaign with the Blades.
McGuinness joined Sheffield United from Luton Town last summer in a deal believed to be worth between £4m and £5m. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community.
The defender had previously left Cardiff for Luton in 2024 in a deal we understood could eventually rise to £10m with add-ons, although those clauses were not ultimately triggered in full.
McGuinness struggled to nail down a consistent starting role during Sheffield United’s chaotic season, which ended with a disappointing 13th-place Championship finish.
The Sheffield Star reports there is uncertainty over whether the 25-year-old will form a central part of Wilder’s plans moving forward, with the manager eager to reshape his squad as the club attempt to launch another promotion push.
It is reported that Sheffield United would not stand in McGuinness’ way should suitable interest arrive this summer, although the club are not expected to sanction a cut-price exit.
Wilder has already overseen a significant clear-out at Bramall Lane, with 10 players departing so far and more exits anticipated as part of the overhaul.
Despite his struggles in Yorkshire, McGuinness remains highly regarded elsewhere and was this month included in a shadow Republic of Ireland squad.
The former Cardiff defender featured in the 5-0 friendly win over Grenada for the Irish. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
McGuinness came through the ranks at Arsenal before becoming a key player at Cardiff, where his performances quickly established him as one of the Championship’s most highly-rated defenders.
He made more than 100 appearances for the Bluebirds before earning his move to Luton, who had just been relegated from the Premier League.
He did, however, suffer relegation to League One with them, going down alongside Cardiff in a disastrous season for both clubs, before moving to Sheffield.
—
*Sign up to our daily Bluebirds newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here. Cardiff City correspondent Glen Williams is also on social media. He can be found on his X account here, on Instagram, on TikTok and on Facebook.