Sheffield United are reportedly exploring a reunion with former defender Anel Ahmedhodzic as Chris Wilder looks to strengthen his defensive options before the transfer window closes, per The Star.
The Bosnian, now 27, has emerged as a potential option for the Blades after being omitted from the Feyenoord squad, with his future at the Dutch club appearing increasingly uncertain.
Ahmedhodzic left Bramall Lane in 2025 to join Feyenoord after three seasons with Sheffield United, having established himself as an important member of the side during his time in South Yorkshire.
However, the possibility of a return has now emerged at a particularly important time for Wilder, with the Blades actively searching for another centre-back ahead of their second Championship fixture of the 2026/27 campaign.
Sheffield United’s need for defensive reinforcements was evident during the summer, with the club working hard to improve their options at the heart of the defence.
The Blades have made Harry Souttar one of their primary targets and have already submitted a bid for the Leicester City defender. However, Leicester have remained reluctant to sanction his departure, while there has also been reported interest from fellow Championship side Wrexham.
That uncertainty has encouraged Sheffield United to explore alternative options, and Ahmedhodzic appears to be one player who has caught the club’s attention. Southampton are also among the clubs reportedly interested in the former Blades defender.
Sheffield United Boss Discusses Links With Anel Ahmedhodzic
Speaking after Sheffield United’s goalless draw with Birmingham City at Bramall Lane, the United boss confirmed that the club are actively pursuing several defensive targets rather than focusing solely on Souttar.
And when specifically asked about the links to Ahmedhodzic, Wilder was particularly open about the possibility of bringing the defender back to the club.
“Well apparently he’s available, and we’re after a centre back, and he left on really good terms,” Wilder said to BBC Radio Sheffield. “I know what Anel can do. Yeah we’ve put a bid in for Harry Souttar so that’s with Steve and the board to see what happens on that and if that advances.
“I know some people think we’re just going for one player but we’re certainly not. We’re going in for a few, so we’ll wait for the right one to drop.”
The Blades manager also admitted that another centre-back is required despite being pleased with the performances of Japhet Tanganga and Mark McGuinness in the opening-day draw against Birmingham. “[We need another centre-back] even though I think Japh [Tanganga] and [McGuinness] did well,” Wilder explained. “I thought the back four defended really well.”
Wilder Gives Honest Verdict on United’s Transfer Situation
United are operating in a very different financial landscape following the end of their parachute payments, and Wilder acknowledged after the Birmingham draw that the club cannot simply approach the transfer market in the same way as they have in previous seasons.
“There’s no confrontation with the board, they’re trying to help,” Wilder said. “The landscape as I’ve said is a different landscape without the parachute payments. We’re not in a position to go permanent, permanent. We’ve got to be patient.”
The manager also admitted that the current transfer market could become increasingly difficult to navigate as clubs wait for the final stages of the window before making major moves.
“It’s going to be like the wild west; everybody doesn’t want to do loans, everybody wants to do permanents,” Wilder said. “Everyone will be waiting and waiting then all of a sudden the floodgates will open. But I preferably would want two players in ready for next week. And I’m going to push and work as hard as I can for the players and this football club.”
Sheffield United are next in action away at Swansea City on Saturday afternoon, and hopefully, by then, they will have signed a new player at centre-back.