Sheffield United can laugh despite £4m Burnley transfer blow | OneFootball

Sheffield United will be gutted to miss out on Anel Ahmedhozic, but the silver lining is that they’ve fleeced Feyenoord amid Burnley's swoop...

Former Sheffield United hero Anel Ahmedhodzic appears set to leave Feyenoord amid growing interest from the Championship, with Burnley leading the race for the experienced centre-back.

The Bosnian has already proven himself at the top end of the second tier, making his potential return to England an intriguing one. For Sheffield United, however, it could be a particularly frustrating deal to watch unfold in some ways.

Anel Ahmedhodic featured 114 times for the Blades and became an important figure for both Chris Wilder and Paul Heckingbottom. Many Sheffield United supporters would love to see him return to Bramall Lane to make them competitive with Burnley, Southampton, and the like.

Sheffield United will be gutted to miss out on Anel Ahmedhodzic

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Sheffield United will be disappointed if Burnley ultimately beat them to Ahmedhodzic, particularly given how important he was during his time at Bramall Lane. Over the weekend, it was revealed that Southampton were keen on Anel Ahmedhodzic.

Now, the Blades are reportedly behind Burnley and Southampton in the queue for the defender, despite Sheffield United registering interest of their own in Ahmedhodzic. They know exactly what he can bring at this level.

The 27-year-old was a key part of two promotion pushes with United, offering power and strength, as well as athleticism and composure at the heart of their defence. He was an ever-present for the club after joining from Malmo in 2022 and helped them return to the Premier League in 2023.

For a side with ambitions of going back up under Wilder at the third attempt, bringing him home would have made plenty of sense this summer. Financially, it does not appear that Sheffield United can afford the reported £4 million from The Star.

Sheffield United have done very well out of the Anel Ahmedhodzic sale

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There is, however, a rather amusing silver lining for Sheffield United. If Ahmedhodzic does join Burnley for around £4 million, the Blades will have effectively done very good business at the expense of the Dutch giants.

Sheffield United sold Ahmedhodzic to Feyenoord for a reported £7 million last summer, which means they are now preparing to sell him for around £3 million less just 12 months later. That is some depreciation for a player who remains more than good enough to play for a promotion contender in the Championship.

Even if Feyenoord have financial issues, he was a player that featured plenty in 2025/26 for the club. Somehow, Ahmedhodzic's value may have fallen in the eyes of his current club, but his ability certainly has not disappeared.

From Sheffield United's perspective, they have already banked a substantial fee and could now watch their former defender return to the division for significantly less than they received. It's just a shame not to be taking advantage of it themselves.

Burnley won't care about Feyenoord's loss on Ahmedhodzic

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Burnley certainly will not care about Sheffield United's frustration or Feyenoord's apparent misfortune. If they can secure Ahmedhodzic for around £4 million ahead of the Blades and Southampton, it would represent excellent value for a defender with his experience and proven Championship pedigree. That said, contrasting reports suggest a fee closer to £6 million.

The Clarets need a strong defensive foundation if they are to bounce straight back to the Premier League, and Ahmedhodzic could become a crucial part of Nicky Hayen's side. He has the physicality and experience to thrive in the second tier, while his previous promotion experience could prove to be invaluable.

Feyenoord, meanwhile, would be allowing a player good enough to be among the Championship's better centre-backs to leave for a relatively nominal fee. Burnley could therefore be getting a top-tier defender for a bargain price. It could be one of the deals of the summer if they beat their peers to his signature.