sheffield united A huge win last time in the competition championship They defeated promotion hopefuls Ipswich Town 3-1 at Bramall Lane.

Chris WilderThe team ended a three-game losing streak in all competitions last weekend against the Tractor Boys, taking three points and currently ranking 17th in the standings.

Andre Brooks scored in the win over Ipswich Town, as highlighted above, and it was only his second goal of the Championship season so far.

The Sheffield United academy graduate scored four goals and two assists in the league last season but has only managed two goals and two assists in 24 league games in 2025/26.

Sheffield United confirm Brooks could be promoted

Brooks’ lack of form led to a disappointing season for the club on the field. He didn’t provide many goals or assists to earn the team points, which is part of the reason why the team ranks 17th.

The Blades are currently nine points adrift of the play-off places and six points ahead of the relegation zone, suggesting they are currently fairly safe in the middle of the table.

Unless their form changes dramatically, for better or worse, the club is likely to be in the Championship again next season and they should build a squad ready to challenge for promotion in 2026/27.

According to “The Star”Sheffield United are eyeing an exciting young star who could complete a move before next Monday’s deadline.

Reports claim that the Blades have identified Barnsley winger Reyes Cleary as one of a number of potential transfer targets before the end of the January transfer window.

The club are said to be looking to strengthen their midfield and centre-back options, with wingers likely to be on the agenda having sent Louie Barry back to Aston Villa earlier this month.

The Star says the club have not yet contacted the First Division side to discuss a deal for Cleary, but it remains to be seen whether they will take formal steps.

Why Sheffield United should bid for Reyes Cleary

Sheffield United should follow up on their interest in the Barnsley youngster with an offer to sign him before the January transfer window closes early next week.

As mentioned, Brooks hasn’t been good enough at the top end of the pitch to be a match-winner down the wing for the Blades, having contributed to just four goals in the Championship so far this season.

Cleary can also play out wide or centrally as a midfielder or forward, and he has shown he has the potential to offer more than United’s forwards if he can bring his form into the second tier.

The 21-year-old star, who is one year younger than Brooks, has made 20 appearances in Barnsley’s First Division this season, contributing 5 goals and 7 assists, showing that he is a threat as both a scorer and a goal creator.

As you can see in the table above, Cleary has the potential to provide even more quality than Brooks in the final third, as he currently creates more than twice as many goals and creates more than three times as many big chances and assists as Brooks.

The difference in their respective conversion rates also illustrates the difference in shot quality between them, despite the Barnsley star’s lower level of play.

However, Cleary did impress in his recent FA Cup tie against Premier League champions Liverpool. The English youngster completed 100% (3/3) of his dribbling attempts and created one chance, reports Josh Bunting Calling him a “constant threat”.

His numbers in the third tier further support Bunting’s description, as he can provide a constant threat as a scorer and goal creator from the wing, which is why he could be such an exciting signing for Sheffield United.

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The Blades could bring him in as a significant upgrade over Brooks, who has yet to prove he can provide goals and assists on a regular basis, and give him a few months of Championship exposure to give him a chance to shine next season.