It’s a month that’s seen some interesting business at Sheffield United in the last dozen or so years – good and bad. So we ranked 11 January signings as Hits and Misses – do you agree? It’s not an exhaustive list so let us know your most memorable January signings in the comments below or on Twitter.
1. John Brayford - HIT
The loan edition rather than the permanent signing, Brayford was a revelation after joining Nigel Clough's side and helped them reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup, scoring in the quarter-final win over Charlton. His time at Bramall Lane was blighted by a bad injury but he was an inspired loan signing Photo: OLI SCARFF
2. Ricky Holmes - MISS
A long-term target of Chris Wilder, the Blades boss finally got his man in January 2018 - but one league start for the Blades in his entire Bramall Lane career rather tells the story. Holmes was unlucky with injuries - he revealed his plans to retire earlier this year before enjoying a second wind at Northampton Town - but he played just 141 minutes of senior football in a United shirt, which puts him squarely in the 'miss' category Photo: Simon Bellis
3. Sander Berge - HIT
Became United's record signing when he arrived in January 2020. Took some time to adapt to English football but gradually began to show his class. His injury will be keenly felt by the Blades for the next few months Photo: Simon Bellis
4. Panos Retsos - MISS
Another player signed last January, Retsos arrived with some pedigree after Bayer Leverkusen paid £16m for him as a teenager - but his only appearance for United came as an extra-time substitute in the FA Cup, away at Reading, and his contract wasn't extended to allow him to feature when the Premier League restarted following the Covid lockdown Photo: Simon Bellis