Transfer exit fears raised for Sheffield United stars - Blades warned of "huge blows" | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit has been discussing the implications for some United players should Blades miss out on promotion.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Sheffield United are just two games away from reclaiming their status as a Premier League football club once again.

The Blades placed one firm foot on Wembley Way at Ashton Gate on Thursday night, as Chris Wilder's side ran out 3-0 winners in their Championship play-off semi-final first leg against Bristol City.

As such, the two sides will reconvene at Bramall Lane on Monday evening, with United tantalisingly close to a date with top flight destiny at Wembley Stadium later this month.

However, should the Robins complete a heroic comeback in the second leg, or should the Blades fall short in the play-off final, then the club could be set to lose a number of star players in the summer transfer window.

"Things in the pipeline" - Transfer predictions made for Sheffield United stars if promotion bid falls short

We asked our Sheffield United fan pundit, Jimmy (aka Blades Ramble): 'Do you think Anel Ahmedhodzic will leave this summer if Sheffield United don't go up?'

Jimmy said: "I do think we'll lose Anel if we don't get promoted. I think we'll also lose Vini Souza.

"Huge blows. Big players for us, but we have got players that can come in and do a job. If we lose Vini Souza, then Sydie Peck has stepped up this season in the absence of Ollie Arblaster, who will return next season.

"Tom Davies now back to fitness. Hamza Choudhury did an admirable job whilst he's been here, although I don't think he's made permanent. So I don't think the levels drop off too much, although they are big players for us.

"Anel we would have to replace. There's rumours that Jimmy Dunne from QPR might be coming in either way. So, there are things in the pipeline to happen.

"The one thing that we can't afford to do is lose Gus Hamer. But obviously, that's a concern that if we don't get promoted, he will be the man that we lose, potentially.

"I think some will test the waters on Michael Cooper as well. Maybe Leeds United looking for a strong goalkeeper, Cooper might be on their list. But, it's a 'hands off' warning from all Sheffield United fans, and everybody associated with the club!

"He's not going anywhere, with any luck."

Anel Ahmedhodzic's contract situation could force Sheffield United's hand if they miss out on promotion

Regardless of whether Sheffield United are operating as a Championship or Premier League club this summer, Ahmedhodzic's contract situation may well need to be addressed.

The 26-year-old Bosnian international is only contracted at Bramall Lane until the summer of 2026, meaning next season is set to be his final under contract at the club.

Wilder has confirmed that contract talks are on the agenda in the near future. "Anel is definitely on the agenda and hopefully, there will be a positive outcome to the talks between Anel, his agent and us," the Blades boss said via The Yorkshire Post in March.

"There has been a lot of interest in him (before) and I am okay with that as he has been putting in some top performances and hopefully he’s one we can really lean on in the last quarter of the season. We all need to put top performances in, but when he is at his best, he is one of the best in the division."

The towering centre-back has previously been linked with the likes of Serie A side Atalanta, as well as Premier League outfit Wolves have also previously been linked in a potential £20m swoop for the defender last summer.

Given he's now entering the prime years of his career, and has proven himself to be an elite defender at Championship level, United's chances of retaining Ahmedhodzic beyond this summer surely lies solely on achieving Premier League promotion via the play-offs.

Should they do that, then the Bosnian may well be very keen to extend his contract at Bramall Lane. Fail to do so, however, and it would appear extremely unlikely the Blades would be able to resist the opportunity to cash in on the defender before he could be lost on a free transfer.