Sheffield United failed to contend for promotion to the Premier League this season.
The Blades had a tough year after losing the play-off final, which prevented them from joining the top flight in 2025.
Chris Wilder’s side finished 13th in the Championship, 13 points behind the top six, indicating that they will need to work hard this summer to close the gap with the top teams.
The Yorkshire club also had a large number of players leave in 2026, as Wilder sought to assemble a more competitive group.
Here, we examine at everyone who has left Bramall Lane this year and where they are today.
Tom Davies
Tom Davies’ contract with Sheffield United expired at the end of the season, and the club announced that he had been released.
The midfielder earned only ten Championship games in 2025/26 and has yet to confirm his next move in his career.
He sent a farewell message to the club on Instagram after his departure was confirmed in April.
Ben Mee
Ben Mee joined Sheffield United last summer, but he has already departed the club after just one year.
The centre-back has announced his retirement from the game and plans to embark on a new chapter in his life.
Jairo Riedewald
Jairo Riedewald joined Sheffield United as a free agent in late 2025 and was a key component of Wilder’s plans.
That is why it came as a surprise to many when it was announced that the midfielder will leave the club at the conclusion of the season, with the Blades declining to renew his contract.
Riedewald is now a free agent and will attempt to join a new team with pre-season still a few weeks away.
Danny Ings
Danny Ings is another player who only joined Sheffield United in the last year, but his departure has already been confirmed.
The striker, who made 23 league appearances and scored twice, is now a free agent.
The 33-year-old is yet to confirm his next club and will be trying to reach an agreement with a squad before pre-season begins in a few weeks.
Kalvin Phillips
Kalvin Phillips spent the second part of the Championship season on loan at Sheffield United from Manchester City, returning to the Etihad at the end of the season.
The midfielder is allegedly set to return to the Blades this summer after falling down the Premier League side’s pecking order.
However, it remains to be seen whether an agreement will be reached, as the former Leeds United player prepares for pre-season under a new coach at the Manchester club.
Ki-jana Hoever
Ki-Jana Hoever joined the Blades on loan from Wolves in January, however his stint with the club ended at the end of the season.
The defender will return to Molineux, where Rob Edwards may reintegrate him into the squad as they prepare for life in the Championship after finishing 20th in the Premier League table.
Leo Hjelde
Leo Hjelde made a temporary move to Sunderland in the winter transfer window, joining on loan for the remainder of the season.
He earned eight Championship appearances after fighting for playing time under Régis Le Bris.
The 22-year-old has returned to the Stadium of Light, but no decision has been made on his future for next season.
Ben Godfrey
Ben Godfrey’s loan with Sheffield United terminated in January, and he returned to Atalanta before joining Danish giants Brondby on loan again.
The defender made 11 Superliga matches, helping the team finish fourth in the table, and his temporary contract expired at the end of the season.
Louie Barry
Louie Barry’s loan at Sheffield United expired in January, and he returned to Stockport County from Aston Villa for the remainder of the season.
This was his third stay with the club, although they were unable to gain promotion after losing in the play-off final to Bolton.
Barry will now return to Villa, which has qualified for the Champions League under Unai Emery.
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