Burnley push to beat Southampton & Sheffield United to £4m star transfer | OneFootball

Southampton and Sheffield United are set for transfer disappointment as Burnley are eyeing a move for a former Blades defender...

Southampton and Sheffield United are set for transfer disappointment regarding Anel Ahmedhodzic, with Burnley eyeing a deal for the former Blades centre-back.

The 2026/27 Championship lineup is stacked with promotion contenders, with Burnley recently relegated but others like Southampton and Sheffield United also have recent Premier League experience and ambitions of getting back there quickly.

Middlesbrough are also among the leading hopefuls after narrowly missing out last season, while West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers bring the considerable financial advantage of parachute payments and squads built for the top flight. That leaves established Championship clubs facing an enormous challenge this season.

Former Sheffield United ace Anel Ahmedhodzic has interest from Burnley and Southampton

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They are competing with sides that have greater resources while still trying to strengthen their own squads. With so much at stake, the final weeks of the transfer window will prove to be crucial, potentially making the difference between genuine promotion contention and falling behind.

These clubs are going to be eyeing a similar calibre of player and perhaps even the same players in some instances, especially those with pedigree at the top-end of the Championship previously.

Over the weekend, it was revealed that Southampton were keen on Anel Ahmedhodzic, while it was then reported not long after that Sheffield United were also keen on the player they sold to Feyenoord last summer.

However, it appears that Burnley have now entered the race. Not only that, but The Star report the Blades may now have missed their chance to bring the 27-year-old back to Bramall Lane, despite the fact he is available for around £4 million.

The report states that Feyenoord looking to offload him for financial reasons, but that the Blades have not made a move for the Bosnian and that the current feeling from inside Bramall Lane is that they may have missed their chance at a return.

They add that their understanding is Burnley have now joined the race with Southampton but Sheffield United’s inactivity has seemingly put them towards the back of the queue for his signature, even though Ahmedhodzic’s previous association gave them a potential advantage to complete a deal.

Anel Ahmedhodic's Sheffield United stats as Burnley join Southampton in the race

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Ahmedhodzic could be an excellent addition for several Championship clubs with promotion ambitions, particularly because of his previous experience in the division with Sheffield United. That experience is something Burnley saw firsthand during their 100-point campaign.

The Blades know exactly what he can offer, having brought him in from Malmo in 2022 after he began his senior career with Nottingham Forest. He subsequently established himself in Sweden before spending time on loan at Bordeaux.

With Southampton also showing interest, attention will now turn to whether they can persuade Feyenoord to part with the defender before the September 1 transfer deadline ahead of the Clarets. However, it appears Sheffield United are third in that particular race currently.

Ahmedhodzic would look a real bargain at around £4 million, particularly for a player with Premier League and extensive Championship experience. He made 114 appearances for Sheffield United before moving to Feyenoord, so there is little doubt about his ability to handle English football.

For Burnley, he could be the experienced and calm organiser their defence needs. Bashir Humphreys can cover multiple positions and Max Alleyne looks like an exciting addition, while Hjalmar Ekdal, Joe Worrall, Jordan Beyer, Lucas Pires, Oliver Sonne, Kyle Walker, Connor Roberts and Shurandy Sambo give them plenty of options.

With Walker, Ahmedhodzic could knit that group together, bringing plenty of athleticism, experience, and leadership while allowing the younger Burnley defenders to develop around him. At £4 million, that looks difficult to pass up.

A number of those mentioned above are also fairly likely to depart before the deadline, be that on loan or permanently. Ahmedhodzic would perhaps allow for some exits over the next two weeks.