It’s been a hectic summer at Sheffield United. Ruben Selles was brought in to replace long-serving manager Chris Wilder. Wilder achieved a 92-point tally with the Blades, as they lost the playoff final in stoppage time to Sunderland.
Many incomings and outgoings have followed. The likes of Anel Ahmedhodzic, Vini Souza and Kieffer Moore all departing Bramall Lane. Arrivals such as Danny Ings, Louie Barry and Ben Godfrey have all relocated to Sheffield. Another signing has been confirmed today, as the Blades look to kickstart their season after a dreadful start.
Millwall Defender Makes Sheffield United Switch
Via a statement on the club website, Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga has joined fellow Championship side Sheffield United for a significant undisclosed fee.
The 26-year-old has signed a three-year deal with the Blades. After weeks of speculation, Sheffield United finally completed the deal after a fee was agreed between the two sides.
Speaking to Sheffield United, the former Spurs man was “elated” to be joining Ruben Selles’ side, and he “can’t wait to get started”.
How Did Tanganga Fare Last Season?
Tanganga played 43 times last season for Millwall, scoring twice. Alex Neil’s side narrowly missed out on the top six after a final-day defeat to centurions, Burnley.
The defender penned a permanent deal with the Lions last summer, after initially impressing on loan in the second half of the 2023/2024 season. Tanganga scored twice during his 18-appearance loan stint, as Millwall finished in 13th after previously flirting with the relegation places.
Is This A Good Move For All Parties?
Sheffield United hadn’t yet replaced former star defender Anel Ahmedhodzic. The 26-year-old joined Dutch Giants, Feyenoord, earlier in the window. The lack of replacement showed as the Blades started the season off with three defeats from three. Millwall was the latest of those defeats, as the Lions secured a one-nil win at Bramall Lane last Saturday. Tanganga was absent for this game, amid ongoing speculation regarding his future.
For Tanganga, this is a risky move.
Although the Blades are expected to comfortably be in the top six come May, their poor start has shown no signs of that so far. On the other hand, Millwall are a more stable club at the moment, with Alex Neil expected to take his side into the play-offs this season. Only time will tell whether this was a smart move for Tanganga.
For Sheffield United, this is a brilliant signing. Tanganga’s strength, composure and experience will more than replace the gap in the Blades’ defence left by Ahmedhodzic. The former Spurs man could be just what Ruben Selles needs to kick-start his and Sheffield United’s season as they set their sights on promotion.
For Millwall, this is a damaging move. Tanganga won the Lions’ player of the year last season, highlighting the defender’s importance. However, Alex Neil has already shown he can adapt to life without the 26-year-old, after keeping a clean sheet against United in a win last Saturday, as previously mentioned.