Playoff final winner could influence Sheffield United transfer plans

Contrary to what those over in S6 will have people believe, the real football highlight of this weekend is the Championship play-off final between Luton and Coventry.

The Sky Blues and The Hatters will go head to head for a place in the Premier League. It’s a final clash few called at the start of the season and the winner will be rewarded with the £180m riches that comes with such an achievement.

For Sheffield United fans, being able to sit back and watch the final safe in the knowledge we’re already up, is a delightful place to be.

But for the Blades and their recruitment, the winner of the play-off final could end up influencing recruitment decisions.

Both Luton and Coventry have players who, on the surface of things, appear to fit what the Blades are looking for.

Coventry and Luton have players to keep tabs on

Neither Coventry or Luton are a teams containing superstars. Both are well-coached and hard-working sides who more than deserve their shot at the big-time.

But within the ranks, there are a few players who are likely to be of interest to United.

The obvious name at the top of the list is Cov striker Viktor Gyokeres. 21 goals and 11 assists puts him alongside Iliman Ndiaye as one of the Championship’s very best players. However, with the likes of Leeds and Wolves keen and a £25m asking-price, any deal for the Swede seems unlikely.

In midfield, Gustavo Hamer has caught the eye of many a Blades fan. The central midfielder, 25, is very much in the Ollie Norwood ballpark and is someone United will surely have eyes on.

Callum O’Hare was another Coventry player who has impressed against United in the past. However, he’s suffered serious injury problems and could be a risk.

Over at Luton, Tom Lockyer has had a standout campaign at the heart of the defence making 41 appearances.

Cody Drameh has been a revelation at full-back on loan from Leeds and could be ready to step into the Premier League regardless of Luton’s result at Wembley.

Finally, Elijah Adebayo is an exciting attacking player who has hit double figures this season. Capable off the left or down the middle Adebayo played 90 minutes twice against United this season, impressing on both occasions.

Transfers have to be spot on

While we’re happy to make a case for the players mentioned above, we are not suggesting that this is the market we simply stick with. Far from it.

United have shown with the signing of Anel Ahmedhodzic that there are players to be had in Europe. And for good value as well.

However, the reality is that Championship players could be who we look at. Gyokeres is likely to be out of reach but the likes of Hamer, Lockyer, and Adebayo are players who could do well at United. And if Luton or Coventry remain in the Championship, they could be forced into the odd sale.

For Paul Heckingbottom, getting his recruitment right is going to be so crucial. Not only in terms of talent, but in terms of character. Luton and Coventry appear to have players who fit the mind-set of the Blades.

Cherry-picking the odd one, if we can, makes sense to us.

Lee Connor has been writing about all things football since 2015 and currently works as Editorial Lead for Sheffield United News and freelance writer The Boot Room. He has worked for GRV Media since January 2020 and previously worked for Football League World at Snack Media. Lee is an expert on Sheffield United and takes a keen interest in the tactical side of the game and raising talking points that go against the grain. He has a deep memory bank of 90s football stickers, knows the 1998 World Cup inside out and can’t get enough of losing in the playoffs.