Sheffield United may be about to lose one of their key players this summer; according to Football Insider, Ipswich Town are in talks with the Blades over a possible deal for Bosnian international Anel Ahmedhodzic.
Kieran McKenna’s side have pulled ahead of Wolves in the race for the centre-back as Wolves have financial worries that are limiting what they can spend on transfer fees, with only a reported £20 million budget available.
It is thought that Ahmedhodzic could cost just shy of £20 million – the 25-year-old is said to have a release clause of £17 million, which may have to be triggered seen as though the Blades do not need to raise funds.
United have already sold promising young striker Will Osula to Newcastle United for approximately £15 million rising to another £5 million in performance-related add-ons. They are also set to announce a financial takeover in the coming days.
Anel Ahmedhodzic is undoubtedly Chris Wilder’s most versatile defender given he can play anywhere in a back three, a back four, and even emergency cover at right-back. However, the Bosnian has a contract until June 2026 so perhaps it is best to sell him now with two years remaining on his deal.
For the defender personally, this move would allow him another chance to show his quality in the Premier League, which he did not show at the Blades last season where he conceded over 100 goals – setting a record highest number of goals conceded in a Premier League campaign.
Sheffield United have been prepared for the sale of Anel Ahmedhodzic
The Blades have clearly prepared for this predicament though as they brought in a ready replacement on loan in Leicester City’s Harry Souttar. The issue with that is: one, United now don’t own a senior right-footed centre-back themselves, and two, while you have a dependable Championship quality defender in Souttar, he is nowhere near as versatile as Ahmedhodzic is.
If Harry Souttar goes on to have a good spell at Sheffield United then it could be a strong possibility that he signs permanently for the South Yorkshire club in 12 months time, especially if they gain promotion back to the Premier League.
Blades to receive small payout for Sander Berge’s move to Fulham
In other news, former Blades midfielder Sander Berge has signed for Premier League side Fulham from Burnley. While Sheffield United don’t have a sell-on clause they do however get some money due to add-ons the Blades inserted into his Burnley contract. The rumours are that this would trigger a couple of million pound payout for United.
