Sheffield United earned promotion back to the English Premier League this past summer and after two seasons away, the Blades will be keen on making this stay a lengthy one in the top-flight.
Auston Trusty joined the Sheffield United squad on Thursday after arriving at Bramall Lane on a permanent transfer from Arsenal. The Pennsylvania native had been linked with a move away from the Gunners throughout the summer and despite interest elsewhere, Trusty takes his talents to Sheffield United for the latest stop in his career.
After coming through the Philadelphia Union’s academy, Trusty has continued to take key steps forward in his development. The Colorado Rapids paid the Union $750,000 in General Allocation Money in November 2019 before Sheffield United recently agreed to a $6.3 million deal with Arsenal close to four years later.
Trusty totaled over 100 appearances in MLS before making 44 appearances with Birmingham City on loan last season. While many players might’ve struggled for a starting spot in England’s second-tier, Trusty jumped right into John Eustace’s squad and never looked back, winning the Supporters’ Player of the Year award and showing off his durability throughout the campaign.
Now with a new challenge in front of him in the Premier League, Trusty joins a Sheffield United backline which is primed for defensive stability. John Egan, Chris Basham, George Baldock, and Jack Robinson are all experienced defenders, who have past Premier League history with the Blades in recent time.
Trusty featured heavily in a three-man backline last season for Birmingham City, which is similar to how Sheffield United lines up. Although Robinson, Egan, and Basham will all likely head into the season as starting options, Trusty’s versatility could see him used as a left wingback in the squad.
The Blades were one of the top defensive teams in the Championship last season, conceding only 39 goals through 46 matches (tied with Luton Town for the second-fewest goals conceded). Trusty’s arrival at the club shows the club’s importance to repeating that defensive success in the Premier League, giving Heckingbottom a younger option to call on.
On the international level, Trusty earned his senior U.S. men’s national team debut in March and remains a long-term defensive option with Gregg Berhalter returning as head coach. The opportunity to play regularly in the Premier League will only help Trusty improve as a central defender ahead of USMNT camps later this year.
Sheffield United will certainly need Trusty’s talents if they want to stay in the Premier League next spring and the American defender can use his newest opportunity as a chance to propel himself into a bigger role ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.