Feyenoord Proposes €18 Million Deal for Sheffield United's Defense Star
Sheffield United centre-back Anel Ahmedhodzic has opted to stay at Bramall Lane for the upcoming 2024-25 season, despite interest from Dutch club Feyenoord.
Ahmedhodzic, a Bosnia-Herzegovina international, has been a standout defender for the Blades since his arrival from Malmo in July 2022. In his 114 appearances for the team, he has scored 12 goals and provided 3 assists, showcasing his significant contribution both defensively and offensively.
Feyenoord, who are in need of a reliable central defender to bolster a weakened defense ahead of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, had targeted Ahmedhodzic as their primary candidate for the centre-back role. The Dutch club had proposed a bid of 18 million euros (£15.6 million) for the defender, a significant yet below their club record investment.
The signing of Ahmedhodzic would have addressed Feyenoord's defensive injury issues and provided them with a strong defensive presence, especially considering their failed pursuit of Middlesbrough’s Rav van den Berg. However, Ahmedhodzic has decided to remain at Sheffield United, much to the delight of the club's fans.
The Blades, who lost to Sunderland in the play-off final of the 2024-25 season, will kick off their Championship season at home against Bristol City on Saturday, August 9. Under new manager Ruben Selles, the team will be looking to Ahmedhodzic to continue his impressive form and help secure a promotion back to the Premier League.
Ahmedhodzic, who has also played for clubs such as Nottingham Forest, Hobro IK, and Bordeaux, has certainly established himself as a fan favourite at Bramall Lane. His defensive skills and goal-scoring ability for a defender have earned him widespread praise, and he will undoubtedly be a key player for Sheffield United in the upcoming season.
Ahmedhodzic's decision to stay at Sheffield United may have discouraged Feyenoord's plans to bolster their defense for the UEFA Champions League qualifiers. Regardless, Sheffield United will relish having their champion defender for another season as they attempt to secure a promotion back to the Premier League in the 2024-25 European leagues, where Ahmedhodzic's goal-scoring ability and defensive prowess could prove valuable.
