Despite an impressive campaign in the regular Championship season, Sheffield United are now looking ahead to another season in the second tier after their 2-1 defeat to Sunderland in the play-off final.

The Blades finished the regular season in third place with a total of 92 points accrued (not accounting for the club’s two point deduction). Despite all their efforts, they will have to go again next season to claim a place in the Premier League.

Chris Wilder’s side may need to do this without a number of players from the 2024-25 campaign. Using statistics from fbref and fotmob, this article will take a look at three members of their squad who could gain a move to the Premier League this summer.

Gustavo Hamer

Hamer has had yet another impressive season in the Championship and will surely be playing in the Premier League again next season. The 27 year old was named as the Championship player of the season and has been a crucial part of Sheffield United’s push for promotion. 

The midfielder totalled 18 goal contributions (ten goals and eight assists) during the season and play-offs. He has provided a consistent level of chance creation for the Blades with 4.47 shot creating actions per 90 minutes on average over the last year.

On top of this, Hamer has been able to link up play in the Sheffield United attack with an average of 6.42 progressive passes per 90 minutes. His ability to pick out passes of high quality was shown by his assist for Tyrese Campbell’s goal in the play-off final.

Despite the freedom given to the 28 year old in attack by Wilder he still contributes defensively to his team. Over the course of the season, Hamer has won 61.7% of tackles attempted and completed on average 5.14 recoveries of possession per 90 minutes.

However, the player of the season has accumulated 13 yellow cards across the season which is something he will likely have to improve upon. Despite this, there is very little doubt that Hamer is Premier League quality and capable of playing in the top flight again.

One club that could look to recruit the midfielder is Everton. The Merseyside club are likely to refresh their squad this summer with a large number of players out of contract.

The Toffees have already been linked to Hamer which could be an ideal move for the Dutchman. Given his performances for Sheffield United over the past two seasons, there is little doubt that the 28 year old will be able to make an impact in the top flight again and the newly built Hill Dickinson Stadium could be his next destination.

Michael Cooper

Sheffield United had the third best defensive record in the second tier this season with an average of 0.8 goals conceded per match. This record was largely down to the ability of goalkeeper Michael Cooper.

Cooper has kept the joint second most clean sheets this season with 21. He has been crucial in keeping out opposition shots with a 77% save percentage which is ranked second best in the Championship.

In total the 25 year old has conceded 33 goals from a total of 39.16 xGOT faced. This translates as Cooper having prevented 5.7 goals across the season. Without having him in goal, Sheffield United may have struggled to reach the points total that they did.

His distribution has also allowed the Blades to hit teams on the counter-attack numerous times. Cooper has a 70.3% passing accuracy and completed on average 6.84 accurate long balls per 90 minutes.

Sheffield United have not been a side that likes to have high possession in games (ranking ninth for average possession in the Championship). Despite a demand for goalkeepers who can play out from the back, these attributes are likely to be crucial to a side facing sustained attacking pressure in the Premier League.

One club that could benefit from Cooper’s performances is Leeds United. Despite having the highest possession in the second tier this season, the Yorkshire side are likely to see much less of the ball in the top flight and will likely benefit from having Cooper’s shot stopping ability.

There is much debate over the ability of Leeds’ Illan Meslier having conceded 27 goals from 24.57 xGOT faced. With this debate in mind a move for Cooper would be a smart one for the Championship title winners.

Given Cooper’s age and the significant fee that Sheffield United paid Plymouth Argyle for him, it is likely that there will be a high price to pay for the 25 year old’s services. Despite this, Leeds are reportedly giving manager Daniel Farke a significant transfer budget this summer and Cooper could be the first name on the list in order to build a strong defence ahead of their Premier League campaign.

Vinicius de Souza Costa

Another player who has had a significant impact on this Sheffield United side is Vinícius de Souza Costa. The 25 year old made 35 appearances in the regular campaign and his impact on the side was shown in the games that he missed.

The Brazilian was a significant presence in midfield and helped provide a protective shield for the Blades defence. Across the season, de Souza won 67% of tackles at an average of 2.35 per 90 minutes.

The 25 year old was amongst the best in his position in the Championship for duels with an average of 7.42 duels won per 90 minutes and a 58.5% success rate. This was also the case in the air as well with his 6ft 2in frame allowing him to dominate and win 61.3% of aerial duels contested.

De Souza provided a driving force from deeper midfield positions with his strength and power, winning 75.7% of dribbles attempted. Despite playing significantly deeper than his creative teammates, the Brazilian still had an average of 1.74 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes over the last year.

An individual of De Souza’s quality will be ideal for a team who needs to break up play in the Premier League. Another promoted club, Burnley, could look to capitalise on Sheffield United’s play-off defeat and sign the midfielder.

The Clarets have predominantly played a 4-2-3-1 formation throughout the season with Josh Brownhill and Josh Cullen in the deeper midfield roles. With Brownhill’s contract expiring this summer there is uncertainty around his future at Turf Moor which would lead to a need for Burnley to recruit in this department.

De Souza made 34 appearances for Espanol in La Liga and 36 appearances for Chris Wilder’s side in their 2023-24 Premier League campaign. This top-flight experience will no doubt be a benefit should he return to the Premier League with another club this summer.