Sheffield United are considering a transfer for Malmo FF centre-back Nils Zatterstrom as they look to strengthen their defensive depth following the departure of Anel Ahmedhodzic to Feyenoord.
According to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, the 20-year-old Swedish international has emerged as a priority target for the Blades, but no sum has been agreed upon.
What Might Nils Zatterstrom Bring to Sheffield United
Zatterstrom, a left-footed center defender, is widely considered as one of Scandinavia’s most talented young defenders.
Despite his youth, he already possesses the poise, leadership, and strength of a much more experienced professional. As of writing, Zatterstrom has seven starts in the 2025 Allsvenskan season, with three more coming off the bench, helping Malmo keep two clean sheets.
He is at ease in a back three or four and exhibits the same level of aggression as Ahmedhodzic in duels, both on the ground and in the air. Furthermore, like Ahmedhodzic, he possesses the technical ability required to compete at the highest level in the current game.
On the ball, Zatterstrom can switch play or play through the thirds with crisp passes to midfield. His reading of the game and coolness under pressure have helped him stand out in Allsvenskan thus far, and it’s no wonder that Sheffield United see him as a direct replacement for Ahmedhodzic, who was brought in from Malmo in the summer of 2022 and has become a fan favourite at Bramall Lane since.
He is also a centre-back who can score goals, as Ahmedhodzic shown in a Blades shirt, particularly during his debut season.
Blades really need defensive bodies
With Ahmedhodzic’s departure now official and a minor profit made from his move to the Eredivisie, the Blades’ defensive depth appears to be depleted. Only two senior centre-backs remain in the squad: Tyler Bindon, who was joined on loan from Nottingham Forest, and veteran Jack Robinson, who is in his final year of contract.
Reinforcements are urgently required, and Zatterstrom fits the bill because he is young, composed, and has the potential to considerably increase in value, particularly if the Blades get promoted to the Premier League.
Zatterstrom, like Djibril Soumare, would bring natural balance to the team given his left-footedness. Essentially, the Blades might receive a carbon copy Ahmedhodzic replacement in the Swedish international, one who would complement someone like Bindon excellently.
Would a young backline cause problems for United
One minor problem is that a Bindon and Zatterstrom team would be somewhat inexperienced. Furthermore, Soumare, the man who will be mostly screening the back line, is only 22. Meanwhile, Femi Seriki, United’s right back, is 23, as is Harrison Burrows on the opposite wing.
While having such a young rearguard would be refreshing, there could be a few slips and learning moments along the way, especially early in the campaign.
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