Sheffield United player on “very high” wages should leave, fans say, as Blades are accused of “overpaying.”

Midfielder Alex Matos has struggled to secure regular playing time since arriving at Sheffield United FC from Chelsea FC last summer, and his limited involvement has raised growing doubts about his long-term future at Bramall Lane.

Matos was originally brought to the club by former Blades manager Ruben Selles, but his situation has changed significantly since Chris Wilder returned to take charge. Under Wilder, the midfielder appears to have slipped down the pecking order, and he has not been given any minutes since making a brief substitute appearance during Sheffield United’s 2–1 victory over Stoke City FC on December 29.

The South Yorkshire side have endured an inconsistent campaign overall, which has weakened their chances of finishing in the Championship play-off positions. While Sheffield United recorded a positive 2–0 win against Queens Park Rangers FC on February 28, their hopes of climbing into the top six were damaged shortly beforehand when they suffered a 2–1 defeat to league leaders Coventry City FC.

Sheffield United could facilitate Alex Matos exit but wages concern has been outlined

With the season entering its closing stages, questions are beginning to arise about whether the club should attempt to move Matos on, particularly given the lack of opportunities he has received under the current manager.

The 21-year-old had previously enjoyed a productive loan spell with Oxford United FC last season. During that temporary stint he made 21 appearances and played a role in helping the club avoid relegation from the Championship under the guidance of manager Gary Rowett.

Despite that experience, Matos has not been able to reproduce the same influence since moving to Sheffield United. His limited involvement has left some supporters surprised that he remained with the club during the winter transfer window rather than departing on loan or in a permanent move.

To gain insight into the situation, Football League World spoke to a Sheffield United supporter and fan pundit known as Jimmy from the Blades Ramble YouTube channel. When asked whether he was surprised that Matos was still at Bramall Lane, Jimmy admitted that he had expected the midfielder to leave earlier.

According to the supporter, there had been suggestions that the club were trying to arrange either a loan move or a transfer during the January window. However, he believes circumstances during the summer may have led the club to overcommit financially when signing the player.

Jimmy suggested that the team had endured a poor start to the season, which may have prompted a rushed decision in the transfer market. In his view, that urgency could have resulted in Sheffield United paying more than they should have for Matos.

He also raised concerns about the midfielder’s wages, claiming that the salary attached to the deal is significantly high relative to the player’s current level of impact. Based on the figures that have circulated among supporters, Jimmy indicated that Matos is believed to earn a considerable weekly wage, making it difficult for other clubs to take him on without financial assistance from Sheffield United.

This wage situation complicates the possibility of arranging a transfer or even a loan move. Jimmy explained that clubs such as Oxford United, who previously valued Matos during his loan spell, would likely struggle to match the financial terms of his current contract.

As a result, if a deal were to be agreed, Sheffield United might have to cover a substantial portion of the player’s wages in order to make the move viable for another club. That scenario would represent an additional financial burden for the Blades.

Despite these complications, Jimmy still expects Matos to depart at some point in the near future. He believes it would be surprising if the midfielder remains at Bramall Lane beyond the current campaign, whether that departure takes the form of a loan move or a permanent transfer.

A major factor behind that expectation is the apparent lack of faith from Wilder. From Jimmy’s perspective, the manager’s team selections suggest that Matos is not considered a key part of the squad moving forward.

Financial estimates published by the football salary website Capology suggest that Matos earns around £10,000 per week at Sheffield United. That figure reportedly places him on the same weekly wage as Femi Seriki, a player who is regularly included in Wilder’s starting lineup.

Sheffield United should facilitate Alex Matos exit which suits both parties

The comparison between the two salaries has further fuelled debate among supporters, as Seriki is a consistent contributor on the pitch while Matos has struggled to secure meaningful minutes.

Matos has not started a match for Sheffield United since the team’s 1–0 defeat to Hull City AFC on October 4. That match occurred shortly before Wilder returned to the club following the brief and disappointing tenure of Selles.

Since that managerial change, Matos has largely remained on the fringes of the squad. His appearances have been extremely limited, and he has not established himself as a regular option in the Championship side.

In terms of overall experience, the midfielder is still relatively early in his senior career. Apart from his time at Oxford United, he has also spent periods on loan with Huddersfield Town AFC during 2024. These spells have provided valuable exposure to first-team football, but his total experience at senior level remains modest.

When Matos decided to leave Chelsea and join Sheffield United, the move was expected to give him greater opportunities to play regularly and continue his development. Unfortunately for the young midfielder, that opportunity has not materialised in the way he might have hoped.

Because of his limited involvement this season, it would be understandable if Matos seeks a move elsewhere during the summer transfer window. A loan or permanent transfer could offer him the consistent playing time needed to further his career.

From the club’s perspective, a departure might also make sense. Wilder is likely to focus on building a squad capable of mounting a stronger push for the Championship play-offs next season. Removing players who are not central to his plans would free up resources and allow the manager to reshape the team.

Facilitating Matos’s exit could therefore benefit both sides. The player would gain the chance to revive his career through regular football, while Sheffield United could reduce pressure on their wage bill and create room for new additions.

If the Blades want to strengthen their chances of challenging for promotion in the next campaign, difficult decisions about squad composition will be necessary. In that context, finding a solution regarding Matos’s future may be an important step for the club as it prepares for the seasons ahead.