Sheffield United’s meteoric rise has been quite something. From being forced to reduce their wage bill towards the start of the last decade when in League One, they now sit in sixth place in the Premier League.
Promotion last season was something in itself, but the way the club have applied themselves among some of the very best in the country this term has been outstanding.
They have one of the best defensive records in the division, conceding just 21 times from 22 games and the possibility of achieving European football seems very much on the cards.
Avoiding relegation would have been the goal at the start of the season but Chris Wilder has ensured that won’t happen.
Call yourself a Premier League expert? How much did each of these big-money January signings cost?
Their progression throughout the current campaign has all been overseen by Prince Abdullah, who only gained full control of the Blades back in September.
Speaking for the first time after that news, the Saudi Arabian owner laid out a clear and concise plan for the Yorkshire side. In quotes relayed by The Telegraph, he said the following:
In every sense of the word, Sheffield United are in a better position, just as the 54-year-old promised.
However, with the January window now open, it’s the desire to add ‘super’ players to the Blades’ armoury that can begin to become a reality.
This week, they were linked with a move for a World Cup finalist. The man in question was Croatian defender Domagoj Vida, someone who impressed hugely in Russia throughout the summer of 2018.
He contributed to two goals, as well as making on average 1.7 interceptions per game. One of the most noteworthy aspects was the aerial duels he won, making 2.3 on average during six games in the tournament. Vida also did a good job of keeping Lionel Messi quiet when he kept a clean sheet against Argentina.
The Besiktas man has 79 caps to boast of, gaining experience throughout Europe with the likes Bayer Leverkusen, Dinamo Zagreb and Dynamo Kiev too.
Given he’s now 30 years of age, it’s not the most exciting of propositions but the very fact Sheffield United are in the race for him is indicative of Prince Abdullah’s vision taking shape.
Better players are certainly out there, but in a January window where options are limited, the Blades are unlikely to find too many individuals with more pedigree who are available.
The only sticking point to any deal is the player’s wages. He earns €75.4k (£64.6k) a week at Besiktas, whereas the Blades’ highest earner is Phil Jagielka on £50k.
Even if it goes against one of the club’s principles of having their playing staff on low salaries, it would go a long way to helping long-term visions at Bramall Lane.
Meanwhile, Sheffield United are in the market for a player once wanted by Juventus…
