Sheffield United will be looking to return to promotion contention over the following 12 months.

Chris Wilder’s side had a disappointing last campaign, finishing 13th in the Championship table, 13 points below the top six.

The Blades reached the play-off final in 2025, but were unable to continue their competitiveness in 2025/26.

Wilder will be looking for a busy summer transfer window as he attempts to improve his first-team squad for the coming season.

The Yorkshire club has previously signed Romelle Donovan on loan from Brentford.

Sheffield United will have until September 1 to complete any outstanding transfers, yet complications arising behind the scenes may hinder their activity in the coming months.

Former Sheffield United owner takes action.

The Star reports that former Sheffield United owner Prince Abdullah has recruited Nick De Marco as he continues to pursue current owners COH Sports for money he believes is owed to him.

It was revealed earlier this week that COH Sports, which has rebranded as 1919 Partners LLC, has received a winding-up petition from the Saudi businessman.

COH Sports bought the Championship club from Prince Abdullah in December 2024, but it is claimed that they still owe up to £35 million as part of the contract that was struck to finalise the acquisition.

And now, the previous owner has recruited De Marco, a well-known football lawyer.

He has already worked for other EFL clubs, including fierce rivals Sheffield Wednesday, and has established a reputation for winning high-profile disputes.

While no court action is imminent, it is probable that it will proceed unless the two sides can reach an agreement to resolve the matter before then.

How Sheffield United fans feel about the COH Sports-Prince Abdullah controversy

Sheffield United fans have reacted adversely to allegations that De Marco has been hired by Prince Abdullah, with his reputation serving as a warning to supporters.

Sheffield United need to handle the Prince Abdullah situation immediately.

The choice to hire De Marco demonstrates that Prince Abdullah is serious about this issue and will not go away until it is resolved.

He believes he is owed a considerable sum of money, and Sheffield United must resolve this situation as soon as possible.

It would be disappointing for fans if player sales were required to provide funds for payment to Prince Abdullah, assuming he is owed money by COH Sports.

However, if it can avoid a winding-up order, which would result in administration, that will be a preferable option.