Sheffield United are considering an unusual transfer move as part of a prospective defensive deal.
Sheffield United’s top brass have quietly considered transferring one of their AI-identified development signings to create place for a potential new addition, with the summer transfer window closing in less than a fortnight. The Blades are desperate for center-half reinforcements.
United transferred Anel Ahmedhodzic to Feyenoord last week, and their remaining left-footed centre-backs, Rhys Norrington-Davies and Jack Robinson, are being pursued by other clubs. Wrexham are interested in Robinson, and Queens Park Rangers, as previously reported, are keeping an eye on Welsh international Norrington-Davies.
However, the Blades must add before they can consider selling, with Saturday’s 4-1 loss at home to Bristol City showing their defensive shortcomings. The Blades investigated signing Ben Godfrey, a former Everton and Ipswich Town player who now plays for Atalanta in Italy, but were told they would have to pay a major amount of his hefty wage.
Nils Zätterström is another target, with the added challenge of determining whether the Malmo defender has played enough games in recent years to qualify for a work permit. According to post-Brexit laws, footballers must meet a set number of points to be allowed authorization to work in England.
Sheffield United are considering an unusual transfer move as part of a prospective defensive deal
United have filled all of their slots by signing wildcards Christian Nwachukwu, Jefferson Caceres, Ehije Ukaki, and Mihail Polendakov from the Bulgarian league. The Star knows that discussions have taken place within the hierarchy about a potential solution, should one be required, that would free up a spot for Zätterström.
James Bord, the former poker player who is now heavily involved in United’s recruitment, also owns Dunfermline in Scotland, which reports say might be a potential destination for one of the players.
That is assumed to be Caceres, the Peruvian winger who was left out of United’s Championship opener against Bristol City on Saturday. If that is the case, with many moving elements before it becomes a reality, it calls into doubt United’s long-term strategy for their data-driven approach.
Boss Ruben Selles, whose attempts to expand his coaching staff have also been hampered by red tape following the UK’s exit from the European Union, has maintained an interest in Hull City’s Charlie Hughes, who moved to Bramall Lane earlier this summer after being fired by the Tigers.
However, Hull’s valuation of their prized asset, who is seen as a future England international and is also of interest to Coventry City, dissuaded United from following up on their interest. United looked at the 21-year-old last summer when he left Wigan Athletic for a cheap £3.5 million, but they did not pursue their interest, and the money was well spent by the Blades’ Yorkshire rivals.
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