How Sheffield United Could Trim £20,000 a Week From the Wage Bill in January 2026

Sheffield United are widely expected to see significant squad movement when the January transfer window opens, with both incomings and outgoings likely at Bramall Lane.

Chris Wilder returned to the club after inheriting a squad shaped by a turbulent and ultimately unsuccessful summer under Ruben Selles. Since regaining control, the Blades boss has openly spoken about reassessing the group, putting forward his own ideas, and identifying the type of players he wants to bring in to push the club forward.

Naturally, if new faces are to arrive, others will have to make way. Some departures may be unavoidable, particularly loan players such as Louie Barry and Ben Godfrey, who could return to their parent clubs after underwhelming spells. There is also the possibility that Tyler Bindon may head back early if his situation does not improve.

Beyond those loan exits, Sheffield United may also need to consider permanent sales or temporary departures of their own players. If the Blades are serious about strengthening for a promotion or play-off push in the second half of the season, freeing up room on the wage bill will be essential. One realistic scenario could allow the club to save as much as £20,000 per week—money that could be redirected toward more impactful reinforcements.

Two players, in particular, stand out as possible candidates to move on.

Jamie Shackleton: A Career That Never Took Off at Bramall Lane

Jamie Shackleton’s time at Sheffield United has so far been defined more by frustration than contribution. Signed with hopes of adding versatility and energy to the squad, the former Leeds United man has been unable to establish himself due to a series of injury and fitness issues.

In his first season with the Blades, Shackleton made just 12 appearances before his campaign was cut short in December by a foot injury. That setback ruled him out for most of the remaining fixtures, and his only involvement after returning to fitness came as an unused substitute in the first leg of the play-off semi-final against Bristol City.

This season has followed a similar pattern. Shackleton has again struggled with injuries, preventing him from building rhythm or consistency. At 26 years old, questions are beginning to surface about whether it makes sense for Sheffield United to persist with a player who has been unable to stay fit and has yet to make a meaningful impact.

While Shackleton’s versatility—capable of playing in midfield or defensive roles—does offer theoretical value, there are doubts about whether he possesses the quality required for where the club ultimately wants to be. Sheffield United’s long-term ambition is a return to the Premier League, and Shackleton has not demonstrated enough at that level in his career to suggest he would be a key contributor if promotion were achieved.

From a financial perspective, moving him on could make sense. According to estimates from Capology, Shackleton earns around £7,500 per week. A January sale would immediately free up that amount, giving Wilder additional flexibility to pursue a younger player with a higher ceiling or someone better suited to the manager’s tactical demands.

Such a move would not necessarily reflect a lack of respect for Shackleton’s professionalism, but rather a pragmatic decision. With the club needing players who can contribute immediately and consistently, continuing to carry an injury-prone squad member on a relatively substantial wage may no longer be viable.

Nils Zätterström: A Loan Exit That Makes Financial Sense

Another option for reducing the wage bill involves Nils Zätterström, though in his case a loan move appears more realistic than a permanent departure.

Zätterström only arrived at Bramall Lane in the summer, joining from Malmö for a reported fee of £2.8 million. At just 20 years old, the Swedish Under-21 international was viewed as a long-term investment—an exciting young talent who had already broken into Malmö’s senior side as a teenager.

However, his first months in English football have been difficult. Unlike loan signings such as Barry or Godfrey, who featured prominently under Ruben Selles before fading from contention following Wilder’s return, Zätterström has barely been involved under either manager. Opportunities have been scarce, and he has yet to make a meaningful impression in competitive action.

Given his age and potential, selling him so soon after signing would make little sense. A loan move, however, could benefit all parties. Whether to another Championship side or to a club abroad, a temporary switch would allow Zätterström to gain regular minutes while remaining part of Sheffield United’s long-term plans.

Crucially, a loan where the receiving club covers his wages would also bring immediate financial relief. Capology estimates that Zätterström earns around £12,500 per week. At present, Sheffield United are paying that salary for a player who is not contributing on the pitch, making it an inefficient use of resources.

By loaning him out, the Blades could free up that wage space while helping the player develop through consistent game time. It would be a far more productive scenario than leaving him on the fringes for the remainder of the season.

A Combined Saving With Clear Benefits

If both Jamie Shackleton and Nils Zätterström were to depart—one permanently and the other on loan—Sheffield United could save approximately £20,000 per week. Over the second half of the season, that figure represents a significant sum that could be reinvested more effectively.

That money could help fund a loan signing with proven Championship pedigree or contribute toward the wages of a permanent addition ready to make an immediate impact. In a league as competitive as the Championship, marginal gains can make the difference between finishing inside or outside the play-off places.

Chris Wilder is known for maximizing the value of his squad and for building teams with strong unity and work ethic. Clearing out players who are either unavailable through injury or unable to contribute regularly would align with that philosophy. It would also give him greater freedom to reshape the group in his image during a crucial window.

With promotion still the ultimate goal and a top-six finish firmly in mind, January could prove decisive for Sheffield United. Strategic departures, rather than wholesale changes, may be the key—and freeing up £20,000 a week in wages could provide the breathing room needed to bring in players capable of driving a serious push toward May.