Sheffield United Cap Pre-season Off With Win Over Premier League Side; New Signing Imminent

Originally posted on Sheff United Way | By Jake Staniland | Last updated Aug 3, 2025 8:09 AM ET

Sheffield United signed off their pre-season campaign on a high note with a 3-2 victory over Premier League side Fulham in a behind-closed-doors game on Saturday.

The hosts struck first in the 16th minute through Emile Smith Rowe. However, United responded on 28 minutes as striker Tom Cannon converted from the penalty spot after Louie Barry was brought down in the box, restoring parity.

Fulham began the second half with a bit between their teeth, and despite United goalkeeper Adam Davies producing a pair of fine saves, he could do little to prevent Raul Jimenez from heading home on 51 minutes to make it 2-1.

After Callum O’Hare was brought down during a threatening break, Andre Brooks slotted the loose ball into the net, only for the offside flag to intervene. However, the referee brought play back for the original foul, giving Barry the opportunity to step up and confidently dispatch his penalty.

With the match extended to allow for additional minutes and squad rotation, both sides tightened defensively in the final 30. Yet, the decisive blow came late. In the 116th minute, United’s high pressing forced Fulham into an error before O’Hare produced the winning goal.

Sheffield United Striker Set to Depart With Midfielder on Verge of Signing

With the new campaign less than a week away, transfer activity is beginning to heat up. Towering striker Kieffer Moore has undergone a medical at Wrexham this weekend, as reported live on Sky Sports, with the Welsh club poised to complete a high-profile deal worth around £2 million. The soon to be 33-year-old, who has Premier League and international experience with Wales, is seen as a major coup for Phil Parkinson’s side as they prepare for their new life in the Championship.

Meanwhile, Braga defensive midfielder Djibril Soumare was photographed at Manchester Airport this weekend after finally receiving his work permit. The 22-year-old will complete his season-long loan move to Sheffield United early next week.

The Blades could be reuniting with Oli McBurnie this summer a year after leaving the club to join Spanish side Las Palmas. After their relegation to the second tier, a clause was activated in the Scotsman’s contract which has allowed him to become a free agent. Multiple Championship clubs are now jostling for his signature, with United’s contract offer now officially on the table, per The Star.

McBurnie scored crucial goals during his last Championship campaign at Sheffield United, with his 13 goals helping the Blades to clinch automatic promotion. A return to Bramall Lane would bolster the club’s attacking options with Tyrese Campbell and Tom Cannon currently the only senior strikers at the club, with Moore being one foot out the door at S2.

This article first appeared on Sheff United Way and was syndicated with permission.

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