Premier League club announces departure of five players before the season has even finished

Ahead of their final game of the season clash against Tottenham Hotspur, a Premier League club have already confirmed that five players will leave the club this summer.

It has been a bitterly disappointing campaign for Sheffield United, who sealed promotion to England's top flight for the 2023/24 season after securing an automatic return.

But the Blades struggled throughout and after conceding a record amount of goals, they were relegated with three games remaining following a 5-1 defeat to Newcastle.

On Thursday morning, just days before their final game of the season, United confirmed that give players will leave the club when their contracts expire this summer.

In a statement on their official website, they wrote: "The Blades can confirm Chris Basham, George Baldock, Oliver Norwood, Wes Foderingham and Max Lowe will leave the club when their contracts expire this summer.

"The aforementioned players will each embark on new chapters in their careers following the conclusion of this campaign, having helped the Blades to success during their spells at Bramall Lane."

The club added: "They share a total of nine promotions in their Blades careers and the club see fit to release this news ahead of the end of the campaign to enable them to receive acclaim from Unitedites for their contributions.

"With the visit of Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday being United's final fixture of the campaign, special acknowledgements will be paid to the five, with further tributes across the club's digital platforms.

"The five players will depart with our gratitude and appreciation for the contribution they have made to Sheffield United Football Club.

"Further news with regards to the futures of other current squad members will follow in due course."

Image credit: Getty

Here's how fans on social media reacted to the news.

One said: "Bash, Ollie and George. Absolute legends. Words cannot describe the immense service and commitment these three have given this football club. Thank you. Forever and always a Blade,"

A second wrote: "Time waits for no man and the timing is right but bloody hell, it feels like the end of an era today. Loved them all, top ballers with the mentality us Blades demand. Their likes have been very thin on the ground this season and finding replacements won't be easy."

A third commented: "Thank you guys. You've all been instrumental in our rise and everyone of you should be proud of your achievements and accomplishments while here! Best wishes for all your futures!"

A fourth added: "These lads have given us some great memories and always left everything out on the pitch particularly Bash and George good luck for the future boys."

Basham, 35, will leave Bramall Lane after a decade with the Blades, while George Baldock is joining Greek side Panathinaikos on a three-year deal.