Forget the noise of an imminent bidding war. Sheffield United are making their stance on Ryan One absolutely clear: he is firmly in Chris Wilder’s plans, and the latest transfer talk involving Rangers is highly likely nothing more than an agent-driven contract play.
While external headlines have been dominated by claims that Rangers and Leicester City are circling the 20-year-old Scotland youth international, the reality on the ground paints a completely different picture.
One is currently in Spain with the rest of the Blades squad, fully focused on pre-season training in Valencia, according to The Sheffield Star.
Rather than planning a departure, the South Yorkshire outfit are preparing to integrate him as a key figure for the upcoming Championship campaign.
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Ryan One features in Chris Wilder’s plans
Any talk of One leaving Bramall Lane is firmly at odds with his current involvement.
Wilder has kept the young forward close as United sweat through double sessions on their pre-season trip in the Spanish heat.
Coming off a highly successful loan spell where he scored five goals in 16 appearances to help Lincoln City secure the League One title, One is being actively groomed for a first-team breakthrough.
Wilder highly values One’s physical versatility- his ability to lead the line as a central striker or play out wide gives the Blades a crucial tactical dynamic as they prepare for a gruelling 46-game league season.
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So, where is the noise coming from?
Sheffield United sources have indicated to The Star that they strongly suspect the sudden links to Ibrox and the King Power Stadium are agent-led.
The strategy is a classic football agency plan: generate high-profile transfer links to force the parent club’s hand into offering a lucrative contract upgrade.
One only signed a long-term extension in 2024, tying him to Bramall Lane until 2029.
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Adding a layer of intrigue to the situation is One’s agency, StormSportsX. The firm has incredibly strong ties to the Scottish market; notably, they also represent departed Rangers captain James Tavernier.
Given StormSportsX’s direct line to the Ibrox hierarchy, it would be incredibly easy for the agency to leverage Rangers‘ historical interest in young Scottish talent to have an upper hand at the negotiation table in Sheffield.
Blades hold all the cards amid Rangers interest
Fortunately for Sheffield United, they hold all the leverage.
With One under contract for another three years, there is absolutely no pressure on the board to cash in one of their brightest prospects.
While a massive, undeniable bid from a top-flight club could theoretically test the club’s financial resolve, United are determined to resist.
For now, the message from the Valencia training camp is clear: Ryan One is staying put, and his agents will have to wait if they think a few transfer rumours will force a premature contract negotiation.
