Sheffield United Plotting Double Swoop for EFL Wonderkid Pair

Sheffield United Plan Cardiff Raid With Two Attackers Targeted

Having won four of their last six Championship games, Sheffield United are well on their way towards salvaging what could have become an extremely embarrassing season, and ahead of the January transfer window are now looking to capitalise on their newfound momentum as they look to pick out some choice targets.

The Blades, back under Chris Wilder’s guidance for the third time, started the season with just one goal and no wins in their opening seven fixtures in all competitions, form that ultimately led to Ruben Selles being sacked.

As soon as Wilder took up the mantle once again, their form improved - in all, the veteran head coach has overseen seven wins in 16 games in charge, a far superior record to his predecessor, and he is looking to maintain his side's momentum with some upgrades in January.

EXCL: Sheffield United have sent scouts out to watch Cardiff City duo Cian Ashford [21] and Yousef Salech [23] in recent weeks. #sufc || #twitterblades pic.twitter.com/IBH6xdsKrp

— Bladeshub (@Bladeshub_) December 17, 2025

As a result, rumour quickly spread that the Blades boss had sent scouts to watch Cardiff City’s Carabao Cup quarter-final with Chelsea last night ahead of launching potential bids for Bluebird duo Cian Ashford and Yousef Salech.

Who Are Cian Ashford and Yousef Salech?

Ashford (21) and Salech (23) have both been vital in the attacking third for Cardiff this season, and have ultimately played a huge role in propelling the Welsh side to first place in League One, four points clear of second-placed Bradford.

Right winger Ashford broke into the team in the 2023/24 season, and the Welshman has rarely been left out since, playing 56 times in the last season and a half. Contributing three goals and two assists in the third tier this season, Ashford has become an exceptionally important part of the Cardiff setup despite his young age.

There will be question marks over his longer-term output - his total tally of nine goals and seven assists in his time at Cardiff leaves much to be desired - but should the move to Sheffield United materialise, he would very much be a prospect for the future.

The same cannot be said of Yousef Salech - a centre forward by trade, the big Dane, who stands at 6 ft 3 in, already has 11 goals and three assists to his name in 26 games. 10 of these have come in League One, enough to put him joint top of the goal standings alongside Barnsley’s Davis Keillor-Dunn.

🇩🇰🌟| Yousef Salech in League One this season:

⏰ 1420 Minutes
⚽️ 10 Goals
🅰️ 3 Assists
🔑 16 Chances Created
🎯 10.7 NPxG

🥇First in goals
🏅First in xG
🥇First in touches in opp. box pic.twitter.com/c0MC75TKS7

— w/scout (@widescouting) December 15, 2025

With assists also taken into account, Salech tops the charts, his tally of 13 league goals and assists a testament to his obvious talent and significant potential. Unlike Ashford, Salech would slot straight into the first team at Bramall Lane, with Wilder hoping that his natural striking talent would add an extra dimension to a side that for much of the season suffered from severe struggles in front of goal.

Why Sheffield Need Them

Had you asked the majority of the Sheffield United fanbase whether these were the right signings two months back, almost all would have responded the same way: “We’re gonna need a lot more than League One talent, mate.”

At the time, this was absolutely spot on - United were truly woeful and rarely looked capable of challenging for a draw, let alone all three points.

There is no stopping him! 💙#CityAsOne | @CianAshford pic.twitter.com/52WVXkDmAC

— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) December 15, 2025

However, the steady presence of Wilder has brought some stability back to the club, and now signing young, third-tier talent doesn’t seem like such a bad idea. In Salech’s case, there is more than enough evidence to suggest he could immediately challenge for a place in the first team - his tally across all competitions (11), is more than double that of the Blades’ premier marksman Callum O’Hare (5).

In the case of Ashford, there would likely be a more long-term, developmental plan in place for him to ensure he reaches his undoubtedly high ceiling and adjusts to the step-up between divisions well.

They may not have had the finest audition against Chelsea, but make no mistake - Cian Ashford and Yousef Salech will make it to the Championship very soon. Both have bags of talent, and despite being roundly beaten by Premier League opposition, there will be plenty more opportunities against more equal sides to prove that they belong there.