Sheffield United have officially confirmed the season-long loan acquisition of Australian international Harry Souttar from Leicester City.
The 6ft7 defender has over 30 caps for his country including appearances in the World Cup, adding to United’s extensive international experience in their squad.
The 25-year-old made a total of three appearances for Leicester City in their Championship winning campaign last term, starting just once.
Sheffield United chief on signing Harry Souttar
After confirming the Blades’ sixth signing of the summer, Chris Wilder explained his thinking behind temporarily signing Souttar.
“Getting someone of Harry’s calibre and experience is a huge plus, and he’ll add some steel to our defensive unit.
“His height and power are exactly what we’ve been looking for since we lost a couple of experienced heads, but with the loan market we have had to bide our time a little in order to get him here.
“Harry’s still only 25 but he’s been around a long time. He can handle the highest of levels as shown with his appearances for Australia, and again he’s someone who knows this division and what is needed to be successful in it,” he told SUTV.
Since signing for the Foxes back in January 2023, in a deal worth £15 million, his career has stagnated, but this loan move provides him with an opportunity to get right back on track.
United’s new recruit: Harry Souttar on joining the Blades
Speaking to SUTV for the first time as a Sheffield United player, the Aussie expressed, “I knew that it might be on for a couple of weeks, but over the weekend I was waiting on the phone call telling me to come up to Sheffield. I can’t wait to get started.
“The club speaks for itself. I don’t need to tell anyone how big the club is. As soon as I found out I was available and the club was looking at me, it was a no brainer to come here.
“I spoke to the gaffer a few times, but he didn’t have to sell the club to me at all. I’ve known some of the lads here and know about the club’s ethos and vision. I feel this will be a great partnership at this stage of my career and I am raring to go.
“I can’t wait to get working under him and his staff and seeing the squad they have built this pre-season; it is looking really exciting.”
The Blades appear to be edging closer to another defensive recruit as Chelsea youngster Alfie Gilchrist is also due to sign on a season-long loan, adding cover in the right-back department as well as the right centre-back position. United’s defensive depth has been frowned upon in recent weeks but with these two new signings things look a whole lot rosier.
