West Ham and Sheffield United must think twice over £10m defender deal | OneFootball

West Ham and Sheffield United need to convince Leicester to lower their Harry Souttar demands

West Ham and Sheffield United have both been linked with a move for Harry Souttar ahead of the new season.

Both clubs are preparing for a possible promotion push in the Championship in 2026/27, with the Hammers seeking an immediate return to the top flight.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side finished 18th in the Premier League in the previous campaign, coming two points adrift of safety.

Meanwhile, the Yorkshire outfit will be looking to get back into contention for at least a play-off place after falling to 13th in 2025/26, 13 points adrift of the top six.

Leicester City’s relegation to League One has opened the door for Souttar’s permanent exit from the King Power, with both clubs circling.

The centre-back previously competed with the Blades as part of a loan spell during 2024/25, but no decision has yet been made over the next step in his career.

West Ham and Sheffield United must be wary of £10 million Harry Souttar deal

Action images

It has been reported by The Star that Leicester have set an asking price of £10 million for Souttar amid speculation over his future.

However, Sheffield United are understood to be unwilling to pay that kind of figure for the centre-back, giving West Ham a potentially decisive edge in the pursuit of his signature.

But both clubs should be quite wary about paying that kind of money for the 27-year-old.

There is no doubt that Souttar, at his best, is a Championship calibre defender, and it comes as no surprise that clubs like Sheffield United and West Ham are interested.

The Australian knows Chris Wilder well from his first stint at Bramall Lane, and he is a natural fit for the 58-year-old’s style of play.

But he would also be suited to working under a coach like Nuno Espirito Santo as well, and at £10 million you could be getting a good deal.

Yet his injury record over the last few years should give any suitor for the centre-back reason for pause.

He played just twice in the league last season, with injuries preventing him from playing a more significant role for the Foxes in their bid for survival.

Since joining Leicester, he’s played a total of 17 league games, with fitness issues playing a large role in his lack of game time, along with not fitting well into Enzo Maresca’s plans.

Sheffield United and West Ham must push Leicester on £10 million fee

Action Images

If West Ham and Sheffield United are going to pursue Souttar, then they have to push Leicester to lower their demands.

Souttar has a contract with the Foxes until June 2028, so they have no immediate need to cash in.

But financial problems have plagued the club, and getting him off the books could be a smart move at this time given the market that’s being generated around him now.

A fee closer to £5 million might be a more reasonable asking price at this stage given his injury issues.

West Ham or Sheffield United would be taking on a big risk by signing Souttar, as he may end up playing infrequently if he can’t get back to being consistently fully fit.

One move either Championship side could deploy to convince Leicester to lower their asking price would be to add incentives based on games played, or earning promotion to the Premier League.

A good sell-on clause could also sweeten the deal, meaning the League One side don’t get as much up front, but they could receive more for him down the line.

Souttar has the potential to be a top player in the Championship and help his next club fight for promotion, but the risk is too great at £10 million that he may barely even play over the course of his contract.