AliousAs the 2024/25 season approaches, the city of Sheffield is abuzz with anticipation, with both Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday gearing up for their respective campaigns in the highly competitive Championship.
The Blades, having suffered relegation from the Premier League, are determined to bounce back, while the Owls, having narrowly avoided the drop, are focused on consolidating their position in the second tier.
Sheffield Wednesday have wasted no time in reinforcing their squad, securing the services of goalkeeper Ben Hamer and former Blades defender Max Lowe.
In contrast, Sheffield United have yet to make significant moves in the transfer market, but manager Chris Wilder is expected to strengthen his squad as they mount a promotion push.
Across the Championship, clubs are actively reshaping their squads in preparation for the grueling 46-game season.
Blackburn Rovers have taken a proactive step by securing the services of teenage sensation Aodhan Doherty from Linfield.
The 18-year-old Northern Ireland youth international, who made 13 first-team appearances before his 18th birthday under the tutelage of former Premier League striker David Healy, has signed a three-year contract at Ewood Park.
“I’m very happy to be here. I’m glad it’s got sorted, and hopefully, I can get going from the very start and do the best that I can and work my way up to the first team,” Doherty expressed his delight at the move. “It’s a very big move for me and my family.
I’ve always dreamt of being a professional footballer, and so I’m glad to come over here and get a chance to play in England, and hopefully, I can succeed.”
Meanwhile, Leeds United are rumored to hold an interest in Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist, although a loan approach is not imminent, despite suggestions of talks being opened.
Gilchrist, who made 11 Premier League appearances under Mauricio Pochettino last season, is reportedly on the radar of several Championship clubs as he seeks more regular playing time.
While defensive reinforcements are a priority for Leeds, the Yorkshire Evening Post reports that claims of talks with Gilchrist are wide of the mark, and the young defender remains on a long list of potential transfer targets.
Elsewhere, Portsmouth appear to have won the race to sign free agent Jordan Williams following his departure from League One side Barnsley.
According to reports from Football Insider, John Mousinho’s side has fended off competition from more established Championship clubs, including West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City, to secure the services of the 24-year-old midfielder.
Williams, who captained Barnsley to the League One play-offs last season, making 52 appearances, is now ready to take the step up to the Championship, with Portsmouth seemingly snapping up a potential bargain.
As the transfer window progresses, the landscape of the Championship continues to evolve, with clubs jostling to assemble squads capable of navigating the demanding season ahead.
For Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday, the stakes are high, with both clubs aiming to secure a place in the Premier League, setting the stage for an enthralling campaign in the Steel City.
Alious
