Sheffield United Set For Key Defensive Addition; What Could He Bring to the Blades’ Team? | OneFootball

Sheffield United are set to strengthen their defensive options with the loan signing of Wolves right-back Ki-Jana Hoever for the remainder of the season, with the move understood to be close to completion, per Express and Star.

The Blades have long admired Hoever and previously attempted to secure his services in the summer of 2024. That deal ultimately fell through due to concerns surrounding the player’s fitness at the time, but United have now revisited their interest as they look to bolster Chris Wilder’s squad for the second half of the campaign.

Hoever, 23, departs a struggling Wolves side having made eight league appearances this season, starting six of those matches. While opportunities at Molineux have been somewhat limited, the Dutch full-back arrives with a strong pedigree at Championship level and a profile that appears tailor-made for Wilder’s current system.

The defender enjoyed an impressive 2023/24 campaign on loan at Stoke City, where he was a consistent presence throughout the season. Hoever made 40 Championship appearances for the Potters, contributing four goals and five assists from right-back, returns that underlined both his durability and attacking output.

What Could Ki-Jana Hoever Provide at Sheffield United?

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 27: Ki-Jana Hoever of Stoke City and Sekou Mara of Southampton chase the ball during the Sky Bet Championship match between.

Stylistically, Hoever fits neatly into what Wilder demands from his wide defenders. He is energetic, athletic, and proactive in advanced areas, capable of providing width and penetration while still fulfilling his defensive responsibilities. Data from FBref comparing Championship full-backs from that season highlights just how well-rounded his game is.

Defensively, Hoever ranked in the 95th percentile for tackles and interceptions, underlining his ability to read the game and regain possession effectively. In one-on-one situations, he proved highly reliable, placing in the 87th percentile for success rate. He also held his own aerially, ranking in the 68th percentile for aerial duel win rate, an underrated aspect of his defensive contribution.

Going forward, Hoever’s numbers are equally eye-catching. He ranked in the 82nd percentile for total crosses and the 69th percentile for completed crosses, demonstrating both volume and efficiency in delivering from wide areas.

His willingness to shoot and create danger in the final third was another standout feature, ranking in the 80th percentile for total shots and the 83rd percentile for non-penalty goals. Creativity was also a strength, with Hoever placing in the 87th percentile for assists among his Championship peers.

Blades Need Hoever to Compete With Femi Seriki

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Femi Seriki of Sheffield United looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United at Hillsborough on November 23, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

For Sheffield United, the timing of the move makes particular sense. Femi Seriki has been forced to shoulder an enormous workload in recent weeks, playing almost every available minute during a congested festive schedule as the club’s only natural right-back. That situation has been far from ideal, especially with reports suggesting Seriki has been managing a minor knee issue.

Hoever’s arrival would provide immediate competition, depth, and much-needed rotation in a crucial area of the pitch. Importantly, it would allow Wilder to manage Seriki’s minutes more carefully over the next couple of weeks, ensuring he remains fresh and fully fit for what is likely to be a demanding second half of the season.

Beyond short-term cover, Hoever also raises the overall level of the squad. His Championship experience, combined with his physical profile and attacking output, correlates with the playing styles of Seriki and the opposite starting full-back Sam McCallum. Clearly, raw athleticism is something Wilder believes is the best fit for his current system which has produced a plethora of goals over the last month, but equally leaked a lot of goals too.

If the loan is completed as expected, Hoever could quickly become an important figure at Bramall Lane. Equally, it could provide the Blades with a potential trick up their sleeve by featuring Seriki in the right-winger position and Hoever at right-back. This would give United a very quick and powerful right side, and one that features two attacking-minded right-backs. So not only would they be twice as strong defensively down that side, they would still keep that attacking intent with this duo.