Sheffield United are looking to enhance their first-team squad this summer in order to return to promotion contention.

The Blades reached the play-off final in 2025, but fell to the bottom half of the Championship over the next 12 months.

Chris Wilder’s side ended 13th in the table, 13 points behind the top six, meaning they have a lot of work to do ahead of the new season to close that gap.

The Yorkshire club might be in for a very busy summer, with the players returning for pre-season soon.

There will undoubtedly be a lot of incomings and outgoings at Bramall Lane, especially as this will be Wilder’s first genuine chance to make amends for last year’s terrible transfer window under Ruben Selles.

Several major players, including Vini Souza and Anel Ahmedhodzic, were sold but not effectively replaced.

Chris Wilder’s transfer preferences surface.

The Star reports that Wilder is prioritising Championship experience as he seeks to improve his Sheffield United squad.

The 58-year-old is particularly anxious to strengthen his backline, following the losses of Tyler Bindon, Ben Mee, and Leo Hjelde.

Despite these departures, Nils Zatterstrom is not expected to be part of his first-team plans, with the Swede once again available for sale.

The centre-back joined Bramall Lane last summer as part of COH Sports’ disastrous first set of signings.

He was loaned out to Genoa during the January market, with a non-triggering buy option included.

However, the Italian club may elect to re-sign him for a cheaper amount than the original agreement.

No names have yet emerged as a priority option for the Championship side, with uncertainty still surrounding the destiny of Mark McGuinness after a difficult spell with the club.

Sheffield United have been linked with Kalvin Phillips, who spent the second part of the season on loan from Manchester City.

Rapid Vienna’s Romeo Amane is also allegedly of interest to the Championship side, with midfield also an area being addressed this summer.

The transfer season is now open, but Sheffield United have yet to reveal any fresh additions to Wilder’s first team roster.

The Blades have until 1 September to complete any remaining transfer business before the market shuts.

Sheffield United require defensive reinforcements.

Japhet Tanganga is Sheffield United’s only certain starter at the moment, and the club feels confident in him for next season.

Offloading Zatterstrom would be a good business decision, since Wilder clearly has no need for him, as he did not give him a single appearance last season.

Given how things went last year, championship experience is a sensible priority, but they should also keep a look out for potential prospects abroad, as Sheffield United have previously had success there.

With players returning for preseason soon, Sheffield United supporters will be hopeful that the club’s transfer business picks up fast.