Sheffield United agreed to sell Callum O’Hare in the dying hours of the summer transfer window.

The playmaker joined Championship rivals Wrexham on deadline day for a reported £6.5 million, marking yet another high-profile departure from Bramall Lane this summer.

The 28-year-old joined the Blades on a free transfer from Coventry City and spent two seasons there, making 92 league appearances and contributing 11 goals and 14 assists.

His departure will be a major setback for Chris Wilder’s side, who were unable to find a replacement before the market closed on Tuesday night.

The Blades had a difficult summer, with cash constrained despite significant player sales such as Gustavo Hamer and Andre Brooks taking place early in the transfer window.

However, the South Yorkshire club has made a promising start to the new Championship season, winning one and drawing three of their first four games as they attempt to reclaim their Premier League status.

Sheffield United’s system may be changing as a result of Callum O’Hare’s leave.

When asked about the decision to sell O’Hare without finding a replacement, FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy from The Blades Ramble YouTube channel said it was very unfortunate, but he understands the business side of it.

He expects Wilder’s side to adapt closer to a 4-4-2 formation, and he believes the 28-year-old’s departure will create possibilities for other players in the squad to step up in his stead.

“To not get a replacement for Cal is really disappointing,” Jimmy told Football League World.

“I believe the entire club will be unhappy that we were unable to find a successor.

“I understand why the club accepted the proposal; it is good money.

“We are now inside our squad cost ratio constraints, which have primarily dominated our transfer window, unfortunately.

“And that’s the price we’re paying, but not having a substitute for Callum O’Hare opens up opportunities for others in the squad, but we’ll most likely have to change our gameplan.

“I’d expect us to play 4-4-2 more often, even if we planned for a 4-2-3-1, but this is the predicament we’re in as a team.

“So far, so good, undefeated as we speak.”

Callum O’Hare’s stats 2025/26 – according to Fotmob.com

Stat

Per 90

Non-penalty goals.

0.23

Expected Goals (xG)

0.26

xG on target (GOT)

0.22

Shots

1.85

Shots on target.

0.60

Headed shots

0.34

Following United’s relegation from the Premier League, O’Hare signed from Coventry in the summer transfer window of 2024.

He was an important player for the Blades as they advanced to the 2025 Championship play-off final, where they were defeated 2-1 by Sunderland.

Last season, the Blades finished 13th in the table, although O’Hare had his most prolific second-tier season yet, scoring eight goals.

Sheffield United’s budget were limited during the summer transfer window, but the club nevertheless signed five players, including Kalvin Phillips, who returned on loan from Manchester City.

Ben Brereton Diaz returned to the Blades on loan from Southampton, while Romelle Donavon joined on a temporary basis from Brentford.

Meanwhile, Hamza Choudhury and Matt Doherty signed permanent contracts, with the midfielder rejoining after a loan spell in 2024/25.

Chris Wilder must be frustrated that Callum O’Hare has not been replaced.

O’Hare was a crucial player for Wilder last season, so losing him without a replacement is a significant blow to the team, and he must feel somewhat unsupported by the club’s ownership after failing to find a successor.

Other players will need to step up, especially when it comes to scoring goals, as the attacker contributed significantly to the Blades’ success.

The return of Brereton Diaz may alleviate the difficulty of losing O’Hare to some extent, but he will need to restore his consistency in front of goal.

Even before O’Hare’s exit to Wrexham, Wilder was playing a 4-4-2 formation, which perhaps didn’t bring out the best of the playmaker out on the left flank – he’s primarily a number 10, and if United’s boss wants to go back to a 4-2-3-1, then he doesn’t really have that attacking midfielder now on the books to play that system.

There of course is the free agents market that may potentially be exploited, but for now, Wilder is going to have to fight on without a replacement for his best player.