Sheffield United owner won’t sell promising player unless 'very good offer' is tabled

Last summer when Sheffield United signed Anel Ahmedhodzic there were many ‘experts’ that raised their eyebrows as to why the Bosnian had chosen to join a Championship team. The defender arrived at the Blades with a glowing reference from experts based in Europe.

Early form for the Blades

It didn’t take long for the Sheffield United fans to see why he was so highly rated as he looked a class above the Championship. Across the first couple of months of the 2022/23 campaign, he looked unbeatable defensively and unstoppable when going on his trademark marauding runs.

It quickly became apparent the Blades had found an absolute gem for just £4 million, as he registered three goals, one assist, eight key passes and helped the team keep six clean sheets within the first couple of months of his United career.

Unfortunately though his form hit dropped off and then it was later revealed that Ahmedhodzic had been dealing with glandular fever, which then kept him out of the squad for around a month. Since then, he has had a stellar performances but they haven’t been on a consistent basis.

Premier League performances

It was always going to be difficult for the Blades this season however many supporters expected a much better showing defensively than what they have seen thus far. But, to be fair to Chris Wilder the defence has seen an improvement since he has returned.

From an individual viewpoint, Ahmedhodzic has not had a single standout performance as of yet, which is disappointing considering many deemed the Bosnian to be a high end Premier League player.

Whilst his form has been poor, Ahmedhodzic has been recently linked with a move away from Bramall Lane this window.

Anel Ahmedhodzic interest

Owner Prince Abdullah has made it clear that Sheffield United have no intention of parting ways with any of their players during the current January transfer window, unless they receive a “very good offer,” per The Star. This stance comes in response to increasing interest in their standout defender, Anel Ahmedhodzic, as reported over the weekend.

The Bosnian international, acquired for a modest £4 million from Malmo 18 months ago, played a pivotal role in United’s promotion to the Premier League last season.

With a contract extending until the summer of 2026, the worth of the centre-half has significantly multiplied since his arrival at Bramall Lane. Identified by United’s recruitment team led by Paul Mitchell as well as help from Jack Lester, the Blades coach who previously worked with Ahmedhodzic during their time at Nottingham Forest. The Bosnian international has seen a notable surge in value.

Despite initial predictions of a smooth transition to the Premier League, Ahmedhodzic has encountered challenges, and it’s understood that summer transfer interest from other clubs may have posed a slight distraction for the player.

Should Sheffield United sell him?

It appears that Sheffield United are preparing for the sale of Ahmedhodzic given the fresh reports of interest in the out-of-favour Bournemouth defender Chris Mepham.

If a sale goes through then it would show the hand of the owner because, his value will depreciate with a relegation, but will increase if the Blades stay up. If the Blades sell him this window that to me would suggest the owner has, rightly or wrongly, waved the white flag on this campaign.