Anel Ahmedhodzic has previously been linked with a move to Serie A with both Atalanta and Napoli reportedly interested in the Sheffield United centre-back. And now there has been another update regarding the Bosnian international’s immediate future.
According to Tutto Atalanta, Gian Gasperini’s team has now rekindled their interest in the 25-year-old defender.
Per the report, with his contract expiring in 2026 and Sheffield United’s relegation, Anel Ahmedhodzic’s estimated market value has dropped from the initial 15-18 million euros (£12.6 million – £15 million). Currently, Atalanta could consider securing the defender for a sum around 10-12 million euros (£8.4 million – £10 million).
The Bosnian international is said to have a release clause of £17 million written into his contract and it is thought that this can be activated providing add-ons and clauses amount to the £17m sum. Malmo will be entitled to 13% of any future sale that exceeds €4.5m, per Transfermarkt.
This is not the first time Ahmedhodzic has been linked with a move to Atalanta. During his tenure at Malmo FF, the Bergamo club had expressed interest, but negotiations did not materialise.
Along with Atalanta and Napoli expressing interest in Ahmedhodzic; Lazio have also shown interest in the defender but have not yet made a concrete offer.
Sheffield United to make a good profit on Ahmedhodzic regardless of last season
The 25-year-old joined Sheffield United in the summer of 2022 in a deal worth approximately £4 million. He began his career with the Blades in remarkable form, quickly proving the club had secured a bargain for a promising defender. Ahmedhodzic concluded the Championship campaign with six goals and two assists in 34 appearances, contributing to 16 clean sheets.
Many Sheffield United supporters believed he was ready for the Premier League after their automatic promotion. Despite maintaining his attacking threat with two goals in 31 top-flight games, the former Malmo player managed just one clean sheet. His overall performances were disappointing, falling short of the high hopes held by the Bramall Lane faithful.
Ahmedhodzic became part of unwanted Premier League history, as Sheffield United set a record for the worst defence in the competition’s history, conceding 104 goals.
Nevertheless he is still clearly seen as an attractive prospect by some top Serie A sides in particular, and his two most recent displays on the international stage will certainly help his chances of a move this summer.
Ahmedhodzic impressed on international duty for Bosnia
Ahmedhodzic featured prominently in both of Bosnia’s friendlies. Against England, the 25-year-old delivered an impressive performance up against Ollie Watkins before being substituted in the 82nd minute. Following his departure, Bosnia’s defence crumbled, conceding two late goals to suffer a 3-0 defeat.
In their second friendly against Italy, despite a 1-0 loss, Ahmedhodzic’s reputation likely improved with another strong defensive showing. The Sheffield United defender achieved a 100% success rate in both aerial and ground duels, along with winning three tackles. Additionally, he completed 88% of his passes.
A move to Atalanta would be an interesting move for Ahmedhodzic because his style of play on paper should work well under the mastermind of Gasperini, the man who made the overlapping centre-back system mainstream almost ten years ago now.
