Sheffield United Could Replace Ahmedhodzic With Carbon Copy Promising Scandinavian 20-year-old | OneFootball

Sheffield United are weighing up a move for Malmo FF centre-back Nils Zatterstrom as they seek to reinforce their defensive depth following the departure of Anel Ahmedhodzic to Feyenoord.

The 20-year-old Sweden international has emerged as a top target for the Blades, though a fee is yet to be agreed, according to a report from The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath.

What Could Nils Zatterstrom Bring to Sheffield United

Zatterstrom, a left-footed central defender, is widely regarded as one of Scandinavia’s most promising young defenders. Despite his age, he has already displayed the composure, leadership and physicality of a far more seasoned professional.

As of writing, Zatterstrom already has seven starts in the 2025 Allsvenskan campaign with another three appearances coming off the bench, helping Malmo to keep two clean sheets.

Comfortable in a back three or four, he possesses that same sort of aggression that Ahmedhodzic displays in duels, both on the feet and in the air. Plus, like Ahmedhodzic, he has the technical ability required to play at the top level in the modern game.

On the ball, Zatterstrom is capable of switching play or playing through the thirds with accurate passes into midfield. His reading of the game and calmness under pressure have helped him stand out in Allsvenskan thus far, and it’s no surprise Sheffield United see him as a direct replacement for Ahmedhodzic, who himself was brought in from Malmo back in the summer of 2022 and became a fan favourite at Bramall Lane.

He’s also a centre-back capable of finding the back of the net, something that Ahmedhodzic displayed in a Blades shirt, especially during his debut campaign.

Blades Need to Get Defensive Bodies in Urgently

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Anel Ahmedhodzic of Sheffield United looks dejected after the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 16, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

With Ahmedhodzic’s exit now official and a modest profit secured from his move to the Eredivisie, the Blades’ defensive depth is looking threadbare. Only two senior centre-backs currently remain in the squad: Tyler Bindon, signed on loan from Nottingham Forest, and veteran Jack Robinson, who is entering the final year of his contract.

Reinforcements are needed urgently, and Zatterstrom fits the profile of what United are looking for because he is young, composed, and has the potential to significantly grow in value, especially if the Blades win promotion to the Premier League.

Again, similar to the Djibril Soumare signing, Zatterstrom would provide natural balance to the team considering he’s a left-footed player. Essentially, the Blades could be getting a carbon copy Ahmedhodzic replacement in the Swedish international, and one that would compliment someone like Bindon very well.

Would A Young Back Line Cause Issues For United?

One slight concern could be that a Bindon and Zatterstrom partnership would be relatively inexperienced. Plus, Soumare, the man that will be mainly screening the back line, is only 22. Meanwhile, United’s right-back, Femi Seriki is 23, just like Harrison Burrows on the opposite flank.

While it would be a breath of fresh air to have that young of a rearguard, there could be a few slips and learning moments along the way, particularly early on in the campaign.