Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has publicly criticised Wrexham A.F.C.'s transfer strategy, accusing the Welsh club of a 'blanket bombing' approach. The comments come amid a reported £6.5 million bid from Wrexham for Sheffield United's 28-year-old attacker Callum O'Hare. The BBC reported the story this week as the summer transfer window nears its Tuesday night deadline.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson is known to be eager to add an attacking midfielder to his squad. O'Hare, a former Aston Villa, Carlisle United and Coventry City player, has featured in all five of Sheffield United's matches this season, scoring in both a Championship draw with Cardiff City and an EFL Cup win over Mansfield Town on 9 August. He still has two years remaining on his contract at Bramall Lane.
What did Chris Wilder say about the bid?
Chris Wilder confirmed the interest in his player but was critical of Wrexham's broader conduct. "He's a good player so I'm not surprised there's been interest," Wilder said. He added, "I wouldn't want him to go, but I understand there's a bid in and it'll be dealt with by the certain people who deal with these (things)."
His sharper remarks were reserved for Wrexham's overall activity. Wilder claimed Wrexham are 'in for half the division' and used the phrase 'blanket bombing' to describe their aggressive pursuit of players. He also took a dig at Parkinson's comments about their teams' meeting on the opening weekend of the 2026-27 Championship. Wilder watched that game and thought it was one-way traffic for Sheffield United for 20 minutes, disagreeing with Parkinson's assessment that it was one-sided in Wrexham's favour. The two managers were teammates at Southampton in the 1980s.
Where does Wrexham A.F.C. stand currently?
The transfer speculation unfolds as Wrexham seek to improve a squad sitting 20th in the Championship. They have taken two points from their first three games, with a record of zero wins, two draws, and one loss. Their recent form reads LDD, and they have scored three goals while conceding four. In the early title race, that leaves them seven points behind leaders Charlton Athletic. Fans can track the team's progress on our standings page.
Parkinson's side is also close to completing a deal for Burnley defender Worrall, indicating a busy end to the window. The club's new kit badge has also drawn criticism from Leyton Orient this summer, adding to off-pitch talking points.
What is the immediate focus for Wrexham?
Attention must quickly turn back to on-field matters. Wrexham's next Championship fixture is a tough away trip to face Millwall, who are 7th in the table, on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. Preparation for that match will be paramount as the club looks to climb from the lower reaches of the division. The full schedule of upcoming games is available on our fixtures hub.
Securing a player of O'Hare's calibre would be a significant boost. He offers proven Championship experience and a goal threat from midfield, attributes that could help address the team's need for more creativity. The squad's current composition and any new additions can be viewed on our squad page.
Whether the bid succeeds or not, Wilder's outburst has thrown a spotlight on Wrexham's ambitious market strategy. The final outcome will be known before Tuesday's deadline passes. Wrexham's next challenge is at The Den against Millwall.
