Sheffield United midfielder Alex Matos is close to signing for Turkish side Goztepe, according to Sky Sports reporter Luca Bendoni.
Sheffield United have a big summer ahead to amend for their abysmal 2025/26 season. The Blades looked like a shell of the side that reached the Championship play-off final the previous term, and major changes are needed in the squad to get back to their best.
Chris Wilder will want an overhaul this summer. Too many players have let SUFC down over the past 12 months, and several departures will be expected. It would’ve been disappointing to lose Andre Brooks to Norwich City, but their next reported sale won’t come as a shock.
According to Sky Sports reporter Luca Bendoni, Alex Matos is nearing a move to Turkish side Goztepe. The terms of his departure are yet to be revealed, but it’s likely that his exit will at least be for the 2026/27 campaign.
The 21-year-old only signed for Sheffield United last summer from Chelsea, but it was a difficult season for the midfielder. Matos only made eight appearances for the Blades, and it doesn’t appear the youngster will get another chance under Wilder.
Alex Matos’ departure highlights poor recruitment
Championship News
Sheffield United’s recruitment last summer was arguably the reason why they performed so poorly during the 2025/26 season. The Blades brought 15 new additions to Bramall Lane and spent considerably in the wake of their play-off final defeat.
On paper, it looked like SUFC had signed some promising players, but a year on, it has been far from the case. Wilder’s side now seems to be counting their losses, hence the surprising exit of Brooks. Matos is one of several 2025 arrivals who are likely to leave.
The 21-year-old hadn’t appeared for the first team since December and had only featured for 319 minutes in a Blades shirt. It is surprising not to see the former Chelsea man given pre-season to turn his career around. However, that could be down to Wilder’s ruthlessness ahead of the next term.
Sheffield United must reinforce their midfield
Matos’ reported departure adds another to the list of central midfielders who have left Bramall Lane this summer. Tom Davies and Jairo Riedewald left the Blades upon the expiry of their contract.
Jairo Riedewald’s stats for Sheffield United
Kalvin Phillips also returned to Manchester City following the end of his loan, although Sheffield United look to be bringing him back for the 2026/27 campaign. As it stands, now Sydie Peck and Oli Arbalster are the only key midfielders at the club, and better quality is needed this summer.
SUFC have to recruit considerably over the next month, and midfield is arguably their most crucial area to improve. If they don’t, they face little chance of challenging for promotion.