Sheffield United: Wolves transfer is a huge blow for Bramall Lane favourite - medical underway | OneFootball

Sheffield United are on the verge of signing Ki-Jana Hoever on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers

Sheffield United are close to signing Wolverhampton Wanderers wing-back Ki-Jana Hoever on loan for the remainder of the season, raising concerns over the playing time of fan favourite Femi Seriki.

It hasn't been the season that Sheffield United fans were expecting or hoping for, but with the volatile nature of the Championship, their campaign is far from over.

Chris Wilder was dismissed following the Blades' play-off final defeat in May at the hands of Sunderland, but his replacement, Ruben Selles, would last just six games in charge before his sacking, with Wilder promptly returning to the Bramall Lane dugout for his third separate spell in charge.

Since the 58-year-old's return, Sheffield United have seen a drastic upturn in form and performances, climbing their way out of the relegation zone, albeit they are still nine points off the top six.

Femi Seriki has been one of the major beneficiaries of Wilder's return, having started just twice in the opening 14 league games; Seriki has nailed down the right-back spot as his own since, starting the last 11 games.

Though with news that Wolverhampton Wanderers wing-back Ki-Jana Hoever is on the cusp of a return to the Championship with Sheffield United and a medical is scheduled for Thursday, the ramifications of what this means for Seriki's game time are currently unclear.

Ki-Jana Hoever's arrival could hinder Femi Seriki's playing time at Sheffield United

Hoever is no stranger to the Championship, enjoying two separate loan spells in the second tier, the first coming in January 2023 with Stoke City, where he made 15 appearances, scoring four and assisting once from defence.

He'd rejoin the Potters the following season, and would play an integral role in keeping Stoke up, scoring four and assisting five in 40 Championship games, and would subsequently head out on loan to French side Auxerre for the 2024/25 campaign.

Upon his return to Wolves this summer, it looked like the Dutchman would play a more prominent role for the Premier League side this season, though with Jackson Tchatchoua firmly ahead of him in the pecking order, he has been limited to just 428 top flight minutes this campaign.

Now, Hoever looks set to link up with the Blades this January and provide competition for Seriki in that right-back role, something which may significantly hinder his game time.

With Wolves' lack of options in that position and their perilous predicament in the Premier League, it's unlikely they will be loaning Hoever out without confirmation that he will receive sufficient game time.

Whether the former Liverpool man will succeed Seriki in the lineup remains to be seen, but strong competition in all positions across the pitch can only be a good problem for Wilder to have, who will be eager about the addition of Hoever as he looks to continue to lift the Blades up the table.

Chris Wilder is looking to make key additions this January to rescue Sheffield United's season

Sheffield United made five loan additions in the summer, namely Louie Barry, Tyler Bindon, Ben Godfrey, Chiedozie Ogbene, and Djibril Soumare, though Barry and Godfrey have already had their loans cancelled, creating room for new loan reinforcements this January.

Hoever looks to be the first to take up one of those fresh loan spots, as Wilder looks to make some key additions this winter to re-stamp his authority on the Blades side.

Wilder will likely not be done there with Hoever's arrival, with the Dutchman likely being the first of a few additions this January.

Sheffield United, after a dismal start, have refound their groove under Wilder, and are setting their sights firmly on a place in the top six after escaping conversations of a potential relegation battle.

Hoever's addition, whilst it may hinder the playing time of Seriki, can only be a good thing for the Blades, who make a statement of intent with the capture of the Dutchman.