After defeat in the play-off final, Chris Wilder is reportedly set to start rebuilding his squad ahead of Sheffield United’s 2025-26 campaign.
The Blades face another season battling it out in the Championship after their 2-1 defeat to Sunderland. With this in mind, the Yorkshire club are reportedly targeting a move for Queens Park Rangers defender Jimmy Dunne.
There is likely to be a number of Sheffield United players departing this summer. Taking this into account, Wilder has decided to act quickly in building a squad capable of challenging for promotion to the Premier League again.
Who is Jimmy Dunne?
Dunne joined Manchester United’s academy at the age of ten having started in his home city of Dundalk with St Kevin’s Boys. After eight years with the Red Devils youth, his development continued elsewhere after a move to Burnley in 2016.
Numerous loan spells followed for the 27 year old with Barrow, Accrington Stanley, Heart of Midlothian, Sunderland and Fleetwood Town. The defender won the League Two title during his loan spell at Accrington Stanley in 2017-18.
Upon returning to Burnley, Dunne made seven appearances for the Clarets with three of these in the Premier League. After limited appearances at Turf Moor, the Irishman moved to QPR in July 2021.
Dunne has gone on to make 163 appearances for the West London club. With his contract expiring this summer, reports have suggested that Sheffield United and Chris Wilder are keen to bring the 27 year old to Bramall Lane ahead of the 2025-26 season.
What could Jimmy Dunne bring to Sheffield United?
With another season in the Championship to contend with, Sheffield United will want to recruit well in order to compete at the top of the division again. Signing Dunne could provide them with some experience in the defensive areas having made over 150 appearances at Championship level.
The QPR defender would provide Wilder with some flexibility and versatility in their defence. Dunne is predominantly a centre-back but has been playing the majority of the 2024-25 season at right-back for the Hoops.
The former Manchester United academy player has the ability to bring additional quality to Sheffield United’s attack. He totalled seven goal contributions during the Championship campaign with five of these goals from his right-back position.
The main reason why Wilder is likely to be targeting Dunne is his defensive capabilities. The defender’s 6ft frame is a threat in the air having won 63.3% of aerial duels contested last season at an average of 4.67 per 90 minutes.
On top of this, the 27 year old is just as good on the ground as in the air. Dunne won 62.9% of duels contested at an average of 8.36 per 90 minutes and had a 61.9% tackle success rate.
Sheffield United were ranked third for accurate long balls per match with an average of 23.8. The QPR defender would be able to continue this style of passing having been one of the best in the league in his position for completing long balls, having an average of 1.96 per 90 minutes.
Would Jimmy Dunne to Sheffield United be a good move?
As the reports suggest, Wilder was keen to recruit Dunne to Sheffield United in the January transfer window. Based upon his team’s style of play and his preference for experienced defenders you can see how signing Dunne would be a good fit.
The Blades’ choice at right-back will be limited without recruitment in the summer. Hamza Choudhury, Alfie Gilchrist and Harry Clarke were all used in that position this season and will all be returning to their parent club once their loan spells expire.
Dunne’s versatility and experience at Championship level will likely be a benefit to Chris Wilder’s side should the move occur. His threat in attack and aerial dominance will be a big reason why the Blades will be interested in securing his services in the summer.
Signing Dunne on a free transfer at the age of 27 could be a smart piece of recruitment by Sheffield United as they look to gain promotion to the Premier League in the 2025-26 season.