Sheffield United Plot Summer Move to Bring Back Former Academy Graduate Regan Slater
Sheffield United are reportedly considering a move to re-sign former academy graduate Regan Slater from Championship rivals Hull City when the transfer window opens this summer.
According to reports from HullLive, the Blades have been closely monitoring the midfielder’s progress and could attempt to bring him back to Bramall Lane several years after allowing him to leave the club on a permanent deal in 2022.
Slater has become a key figure at Hull City
Since making the switch to Hull City, Slater has developed into one of the Tigers’ most reliable performers in midfield. The 26-year-old has established himself as a consistent presence in the team, earning regular minutes and becoming a central part of the squad in recent seasons.
Across all competitions, Slater has now made 187 appearances for Hull City. During that period, he has contributed 10 goals from midfield while providing energy, work rate and tactical discipline in the centre of the pitch. In the current campaign alone, he has featured 38 times, scoring two goals and adding two assists, highlighting his importance to the team.
Hull City have already taken steps to secure his future. Under head coach Sergej Jakirović, the club activated a 12-month extension clause in Slater’s contract, which now keeps him tied to the MKM Stadium until June 2027. Despite that extension, Sheffield United are believed to be weighing up a potential approach in the next transfer window, although they may face competition from other Championship sides interested in the midfielder.
Sheffield United searching for midfield reinforcement
For Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder, bringing Slater back could represent a strategic move to strengthen the squad’s midfield depth. The club are expected to review several transfer targets over the coming months as they prepare for the next season.
If Slater were to return, he would add both experience and familiarity with the club’s culture. The Sheffield-born midfielder previously progressed through the youth ranks at Bramall Lane and was regarded as a promising academy talent before departing.
His arrival would increase competition for places in midfield alongside players such as Sydie Peck, Oli Arblaster and Jairo Riedewald, potentially giving Wilder more tactical options and added balance in the centre of the park.
From academy prospect to Championship regular
Slater’s journey began in Sheffield United’s academy system, where he impressed at multiple youth levels before eventually making the step up to the first team. Although opportunities were limited, he still managed to make three senior appearances for the club.
To accelerate his development, Sheffield United arranged several loan spells, sending him to clubs including Carlisle United, Scunthorpe United and eventually Hull City.
His loan move to Hull proved to be a turning point in his career. After playing a role in helping the Tigers secure the League One title, the club decided to sign him permanently. Since then, Slater has steadily grown into a dependable Championship midfielder and a fan favourite at the MKM Stadium.
Transfer may depend on Hull’s league position
Any potential deal could hinge on Hull City’s situation at the end of the season. The Tigers are currently pushing for promotion and sit inside the Championship play-off positions, alongside clubs such as Ipswich Town, Millwall and Wrexham. They also maintain a seven-point advantage over Southampton, who are just outside the top six.
Meanwhile, Sheffield United face a tougher challenge. With 11 matches remaining in the campaign, Wilder’s side sit 12 points behind promotion-chasing Hull City. Although a late push toward the play-offs is still mathematically possible, the Blades would likely need an almost flawless run of results to close the gap.
Because of Hull’s strong position and Slater’s long-term contract, Sheffield United would almost certainly have to pay a significant transfer fee if they hope to lure their former academy graduate back to South Yorkshire this summer.
Upcoming fixtures
Sheffield United will return to action this weekend when they host West Bromwich Albion at Bramall Lane. Wilder’s team head into the fixture with confidence after securing a 2–0 away victory over Queens Park Rangers in their previous match.
While the focus remains on finishing the current season strongly, speculation over potential summer moves — including a possible reunion with Regan Slater — is already beginning to build.
