"Disappointing" - Claim made as £30k-a-week Sheffield United star heads for Bramall Lane exit | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit has given his verdict on Anel Ahmedhodzic's impending departure

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sheffield United are closing in on the sale of Anel Ahmedhodzic to Feyenoord in a deal worth less than €18 (£15.6) million.

According to journalist Rob Dorsett, an agreement has been reached between the two clubs for the defender.

Ahmedhodzic has been a key figure for the Blades since making the switch to Bramall Lane in the 2022 summer transfer window.

However, he is now entering the final 12 months of his current £30k-a-week contract, which had led to speculation over his future with the Yorkshire outfit.

Anel Ahmedhodzic transfer blow

When asked about Ahmedhodzic’s likely departure, FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy, from Blades Ramble, claimed that it is both a blow and a sensible deal.

He urged the Blades to get active in the market to find a replacement, suggesting two new defenders may now be needed.

“It is both a blow and sensible business,” Jimmy told Football League World.

“It’s a blow because it’s coming so close to the start of the season, but I have to trust that the club have been aware of the interest, and have planned for this scenario.

“So, hopefully we have a replacement lined up.

“We certainly need a centre-back replacement now, with only Tyler Bindon on loan and Jack Robinson the only recognised true centre-backs at the club.

“So we do need bodies in that position.

“It’s disappointing because it’s come so close to the start of the season, we can’t control when other clubs move, I understand that, but it would’ve been nice to have had someone in and ready to go expecting this scenario to come around the corner.

“And even if that wasn’t the case, four centre-backs when you play two is a standard depth, it’s what you’d expect at Championship level.

“So we need possibly two now, so we’ll wait and see how the club move and react to this as and when the transfer goes through.”

Sheffield United’s sensible Ahmedhodzic business

Jimmy has admitted that a sale was the best decision given the length of time left on Ahmedhodzic’s contract, wishing him well with the rest of his career.

“As for Anel, it’s good business for us with a year left on his deal, we have made a significant profit on him,” he continued.

“The alternative was letting him ride it out and let him leave on a free next season, so Anel goes with our best wishes, been a good servant to the club and I’m sure he’ll go on and have a good career.”

Sheffield United’s opening league fixture comes this weekend with a clash against Bristol City.

Ahmedhodzic departure is a big blow for Ruben Selles

Ahmedhodzic has been a standout player for Sheffield United in his three years with the club, so losing him is an obvious blow.

Centre-back depth is now a concern going into the first round of fixtures this weekend, and at least one signing will be needed.

Given Bindon is only at the club on loan, two would be a safer option as that will provide Selles with the right amount of cover for a whole league campaign.

The positive for Sheffield United is they will likely receive a significant fee for his sale despite being in the last 12 months of his contract, which is money they can reinvest into signings.