Sheffield United have made an impressive summer signing by confirming the signing of experienced Republic of Ireland international Matt Doherty on a one-year deal, with the club holding the option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.
The 34-year-old arrives at Bramall Lane following his departure from Wolverhampton Wanderers, bringing with him a wealth of Premier League experience, international pedigree and a winning mentality.
For a Sheffield United side targeting a return to the Premier League, Doherty's arrival feels like an excellent smart signing. It is a move that adds leadership, professionalism and a player who has experienced the highest levels of English and European football.
Speaking to the club's media after completing the deal, Wilder was full of praise for his latest addition. "There's no doubting we are getting a player here who knows what it takes to be successful.
"You've got to be a seriously good player to have played as many times as he has for the likes of Wolves, Spurs and Atletico Madrid.
"Matt is a top pro on and off the pitch; he still has a real desire to achieve things in his career, and he wants to do that here. He'll drive those standards we are looking for and bring the best out of others in the squad. I've talked about culture carriers a lot over the years, and that's what I see in Matt."
Doherty enjoyed some of the finest years of his career at Wolves, where he became one of the Premier League's most effective attacking wing-backs under Nuno Espírito Santo. His performances earned him a move to Tottenham Hotspur in a deal reportedly worth over £13 million, where he spent three seasons before enjoying a short spell with Spanish giants Atletico Madrid in 2023.
Returning to Wolves afterwards, Doherty continued to demonstrate his reliability and professionalism, while also adding to his impressive international career, earning more than 50 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
That level of experience is something very few Championship clubs can boast, and it could prove to be a significant asset across a demanding 46-game campaign.
The defender admitted it did not take long for Wilder to convince him that Bramall Lane was the right destination.
He told SUTV : "I spoke to the manager and had a walk round the stadium, obviously I've played there many times before so I know what the atmosphere can be and the manager convinced me with his vision of the team and the club.
"I'm backing the manager to get the club back into the Premier League and I'm guessing that is the goal for everyone at the end of the day. I believe in him and what he's saying to me, and I know he'll believe in his players.
"I've got friends who have played here; Enda Stevens, John Egan, Conor Coady, they've all told me how good a place this is to play and I know that too, I know the atmosphere can be incredible."
Wilder has consistently spoken about creating the right culture inside the dressing room, and Doherty appears to fit that mould perfectly.
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this signing is what it means for Femi Seriki.
Seriki enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season and has quickly established himself as one of the Championship's most exciting attacking right-backs. His pace, energy and willingness to drive forward have made him a real weapon for the Blades, and many supporters expect him to remain first choice heading into the new season.
Competition for places is essential if Sheffield United are serious about promotion. Seriki now has an experienced Premier League defender pushing him every single day in training, ensuring standards remain exceptionally high.
Just as importantly, Doherty's experience could prove invaluable in Seriki's development. Having played under elite managers, competed in European competitions and experienced promotion battles, relegation fights and international tournaments, Doherty possesses knowledge that cannot be taught in coaching sessions.
For a young full-back still developing his game, having someone of Doherty's calibre alongside him could accelerate his progression even further. There will also be plenty of opportunities for both players to feature throughout what promises to be a long and physically demanding season.
