EFL Analysis sources can confirm that Championship giants Sheffield United and Wrexham have held talks over a move, but have been beaten by Colorado Rapids.
Ahead of the 2025/26 Championship campaign, both Sheffield United and newly promoted Wrexham have been involved with several high-profile signings.
With the Blades, Sheffield United signed Louie Barry from Aston Villa, who reunites with former Hull City head coach Ruben Selles at Bramall Lane.
This week, Wrexham signed Josh Windass after his Sheffield Wednesday exit, and both sides have been mentioned in the same breath over a potential deal as Wrexham eye a deal for Kieffer Moore.
Unfortunately for the two Championship giants, both the Blades and Phil Parkinson’s side have been dealt a major transfer blow in their pursuit of an in-demand Premier League talent.
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty ImagesColorado Rapids to sign Rob Holding ahead of Sheffield United and Wrexham
Throughout the summer transfer window, Crystal Palace defender Rob Holding has been linked with a move away from the London outfit.
Last season, the Englishman spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Sheffield United, and went on to make 11 Championship appearances under Chris Wilder, registering one assist.
With Selles replacing Wilder in the Blades dugout, it has now transpired that the 29-year-old has snubbed a return to Bramall Lane or a switch to newly promoted Wrexham in favour of an MLS move after ‘agreeing a deal’ with Colorado Rapids.
EFL Analysis understands, via information from our Chief Football correspondent, Graeme Bailey, that Colorado Rapids are set to win the race for Rob Holding and have agreed personal terms.
Holding has been in talks with a number of clubs, including Championship side Sheffield United and Wrexham.
However, sources have confirmed to EFL Analysis that Holding has agreed a deal to move to MLS and is due to fly out for his medical within the next 48 hours.
He has 12 months left on his contract at Selhurst Park, but Palace have agreed to let him leave on a free.
Before Wilder was sacked by Sheffield United, he left the door open for Holding’s loan to become permanent.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty ImagesChris Wilder wanted to sign Rob Holding permanently at Sheffield United
Holding’s last appearance of the 2024/25 campaign came in a cameo against Bristol City in the first leg of the play-off semi-finals.
The former Arsenal defender did not feature in the following second leg, or the Championship play-off final as Sunderland beat Sheffield United to earn Premier League promotion.
In February, Wilder told the BBC: “Rob is just a straight loan until the end of the season but certainly somebody that we would be interested in if the loan goes well,
Rob Holding’s career appearances by club, data as per Fotmob
“You don’t get signed by a club like Arsenal if you haven’t got anything about you and aren’t a little bit special.
“As sometimes happens, a situation at Palace where he was not involved, and we’ve taken advantage of that. Everybody has been impressed with Rob.”
Holding sent a heartfelt message to Wilder after he was sacked by the Blades last month, in a decision which may have put the England youth international off a permanent return to Bramall Lane, with Colorado Rapids capitalising to sign the centre-half.