Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has confirmed the club are considering Harry Souttar alternatives, with former star Anel Ahmedhodzic on the radar.
Sheffield United have signed just two players in the summer transfer window. Romelle Donovan joined SUFC on loan before Matt Doherty arrived on a free, but they have not made another addition since.
The Blades are under increasing pressure to make signings before the window ends, and there are few areas that need strengthening like centre-back. Japhet Tanganga, Mark McGuinness, Nils Zatterstrom and Jamal Baptiste are on the books, but of those, McGuinnes and Zatterstrom are free to leave and Baptiste is still inexperienced in the Championship.
Harry Souttar has been eyed as a solution but is proving expensive and Chris Wilder has confirmed alternatives are being looked at. Among them is Anel Ahmedhodzic, and he could be the perfect target.
Why Anel Ahmedhodzic could be just what Sheffield United need this summer
Sheffield United know exactly what they would be getting with a return deal for Ahmedhodzic. The centre-back was on the books from 2022 to 2025 and proved to be a big hit, starring in the Championship and proving his abilities at Premier League level too.
With the Swedish-born Bosnia & Herzegovina international, SUFC would be getting a plug-and-play centre-back. He could instantly step into the starting XI, knowing exactly what Wilder wants from him and boasting experience of Championship football.
Beyond what he offers on the pitch, Ahmedhodzic would be a leader and commanding figure in the dressing room too. Someone of his ilk is required after Gustavo Hamer’s departure.
A deal to bring the 27-year-old back would prove popular among supporters who have been left in the dark this summer. The uncertain ownership and financial situation at SUFC means they need to be convinced that there are still ambitions to return to previous heights, and signing someone of Ahmedhodzic’s calibre would mark a step in the right direction on that front.
Anel Ahmedhodzic’s Sheffield United stats
Sheffield United’s centre-back recruitment drive may not stop at one
Although players are being targeted, the lack of progress at actually getting them through the door at Sheffield United is worrying. It could leave Wilder with either two centre-backs who would rather be elsewhere, or short on options.
If Ahmedhodzic is to join, SUFC should not stop there. More depth will be required beyond the likely starting duo of him and Tanganga, allowing for both McGuinness and Zatterstrom to head elsewhere before the window ends.
Whether more additions in defence do follow though, it remains to be seen. The Blades’ poor window to date means that even if Ahmedhodzic signs, fans will not be convinced that they can swiftly follow it up with more much-needed signings to make Wilder’s side contenders for promotion again.
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