Feyenoord Advanced €18 Million Bid for Sheffield United's Defensive Asset
Feyenoord have strengthened their squad ahead of the UEFA Champions League qualifying matches, acquiring the services of Anel Ahmedhodzic from Sheffield United. The Bosnian centre-back signed a four-year contract until 2029, with the Dutch club paying around €6.9–8 million for the 26-year-old defender [1][2][4].
Ahmedhodzic, who joined Sheffield United from Malmo in 2022, made 114 appearances and scored 12 goals for the English club before his transfer [1]. Sheffield United confirmed his departure just in time for the Eredivisie opener against NAC Breda that same weekend [3][5].
Injuries in the Feyenoord squad have made Ahmedhodzic a key reinforcement, and he is expected to feature immediately, including in their match against Fenerbahce on August 6, 2025 [1]. The Dutch team will host Fenerbahce in the first leg of the third-round qualifying match in the Champions League on the same day [6].
Meanwhile, Sheffield United will face Bristol City at home on Saturday, August 9, in their Championship season opener, as they adjust to life without Ahmedhodzic [7]. The club has appointed Ruben Selles as their new manager [8].
Feyenoord's interest in Ahmedhodzic was driven by the need to bolster their defence due to injuries and to strengthen their squad ahead of European competition [1]. The club is also seeking a replacement for former centre-back David Hancko, who has transferred to Atletico Madrid [9].
Ahmedhodzic has emerged as a primary candidate for Feyenoord's centre-back position, having played for clubs such as Nottingham Forest, Malmo, Hobro IK, and Bordeaux before joining Sheffield United [10]. The potential transfer of Ahmedhodzic from Sheffield United to Feyenoord is still pending [11].
In the 2024-25 season, Ahmedhodzic opted to stay at Sheffield United instead of joining Wolverhampton Wanderers [12]. Unfortunately, his team lost to Sunderland in the play-off final of that season [13].
Despite Sheffield United not disclosing Feyenoord's bid for Ahmedhodzic, reports suggest it to be €18 million (£15.6 million) [14]. It remains to be seen whether the potential transfer will go through, but one thing is certain: Anel Ahmedhodzic is set to make a significant impact at Feyenoord.
Anel Ahmedhodzic's transfer from Sheffield United to Feyenoord, if it goes through, will give Feyenoord a significant boost in their defense, particularly for their upcoming Champions League qualifying matches and other European competitions. With Ahmedhodzic expected to feature immediately, he could potentially be a key player in Feyenoord's matches against teams such as Fenerbahce.
