Sheffield United faces a critical summer after a dismal season in the Championship.

Chris Wilder steered Sheffield United away from relegation danger after returning for a third time in command in September, but the predicted play-off drive fell short, with the Blades finishing 13th in the standings due to an uneven second half of the season.

Wilder warned that he would make “a lot of changes” to his squad this summer, and there have already been a number of high-profile departures, with Ben Mee, Tom Davies, and Danny Ings being released at the end of their contracts, and Andre Brooks joining Norwich City in a deal worth up to £10 million.

There has also been an unexpected overhaul in Wilder’s backroom squad, with long-time assistant Alan Knill leaving, as has first-team coach Guilherme Ramos, and former Manchester United defender Phil Jones joining following a brief stint as a coach at Blackburn Rovers.

While United have yet to announce any new signings this summer, it is probable that there will be a slew of new faces at Bramall Lane in the coming weeks, but their first pre-season friendly hinted that one of their current players may be in line for a promotion.

Tom Cannon may be headed for significant Sheffield United shift, as hint revealed.

Striker Tom Cannon has had a trying tenure at Sheffield United after joining from Leicester City for about £10 million in January 2025.

The Blades signed Cannon following a productive loan spell at Stoke City in the first half of the 2024-25 season, during which he scored 11 goals in 25 appearances, and they had to fight off stiff competition to sign him, with Wilder claiming that “99% of the Championship wanted him at the time.”

However, Cannon has failed to meet expectations throughout his time at Bramall Lane, scoring only seven goals and giving three assists in 54 appearances, and he battled to establish himself in the club last season, starting only 20 of his 37 games.

After a difficult first 18 months with United, Cannon will be hoping to make a fresh start in the coming season, and he got off to a good start in pre-season, scoring in his side’s 3-1 win over National League side Halifax Town, with Tyrese Campbell and Gustavo Hamer scoring the other two goals.

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In addition to his goal, the fact that Cannon was wearing number nine for the game at The Shay piqued the interest of Blades fans, and with the prestigious shirt available following Ings’ departure, it remains to be seen whether it will be a permanent change for the 23-year-old, who wore number seven last season.

Tom Cannon faces a crucial Sheffield United season following dissatisfaction at Bramall Lane.

Wilder said in November that Cannon’s move to Sheffield United had “not gone as well as he’d have wanted,” and the forthcoming season will undoubtedly determine his future at Bramall Lane.

Cannon was far from the only Blades player to disappoint last season, but he has struggled to justify his high price tag since his arrival 18 months ago, and Wilder will soon lose patience if the former Everton man does not produce goals.

However, if Cannon is given the number nine shirt, it would be a huge vote of confidence from Wilder and a sign that he would be given the opportunity to be United’s main man next season, which he must seize with both hands.