Sheffield United are preparing for its third Championship season after being relegated in 2024.

The Blades made the play-off final in 2025, but had a rough last 12 months, dropping to 13th in the table.

The Yorkshire club will be trying to rebound during the following season, with Chris Wilder’s sights set on another promotion drive.

The second division will expand the play-offs to include two more clubs beginning next season, which will benefit the club because a top-eight finish will now be enough to compete for a Premier League spot.

However, they will face great competition in the hunt for those spots, especially with long-standing top-flight clubs like West Ham and Wolves joining the division.

The club may have a difficult year, especially given that they are no longer receiving parachute payments, and off-field troubles are likely to exacerbate Wilder’s situation.

Sheffield United’s off-the-field concerns are an undesirable distraction.

It was revealed this week that former Sheffield United owner Prince Abdullah has filed a winding-up suit with COH Sports, who took over the club in December 2024.

The Saudi Arabian investor is reportedly seeking up to £35 million in payments from the club’s new owners.

This issue puts the Blades in danger of going bankrupt, as they could be held liable if a winding-up order is served, opening the door for the EFL to intervene.

Prince Abdullah has gone so far as to retain renowned lawyer Nick De Marco to represent him in this matter, which should serve as a wake-up message for the Yorkshire outfit.

Over the years, he has built a great reputation for securing legal triumphs for his football clients.

This is a major distraction for Wilder, who will expect assurances from the club’s owners that the situation would be rectified fast.

However, if player sales are required to resolve this conflict, the first team will suffer significantly.

Sheffield United’s promotion hopes will be hampered by ownership concerns.

Wilder has demonstrated that he can lead Sheffield United to promotion if given the necessary finances.

However, the buzz around the owners does not bode well for the 58-year-old’s chances of being adequately supported in the transfer market.

Following last season, it is evident that reinforcements are required in a variety of categories, primarily attack and defence.

However, if COH Sports, which has renamed as 1919 Partners, are involved in a legal issue, it is uncertain whether any cash will be made available.

Given the awful campaign that bitter rivals Sheffield Wednesday just had by entering administration, Wilder will be acutely aware of the negative impact that ownership troubles may have.

The sooner this legal issue is settled, the sooner Sheffield United can resume their full emphasis on competing for promotion from the Championship next season.