Southampton plot exciting move for ex-Sheffield United ace | OneFootball

Southampton are plotting an exciting move for an ex-Sheffield United player, with Anel Ahmedhodzic of interest late in the window.

Southampton are eyeing a deal to sign former Sheffield United centre-back Anel Ahmedhodzic from Feyenoord, with the Bosnian defender leaving Bramall Lane last summer.

Daniel Peretz and Cyle Larin have sealed permanent deals this summer, while Lewis Dobbin has arrived in a big-money move from Aston Villa. George Long has moved from Norwich City on a free transfer, but Tonda Eckert's side have not finalised their summer transfer business.

Divin Mubama is the latest addition to the Southampton squad from Manchester City this week, sealing a season-long loan deal. There are just over two weeks remaining for the Saints to bring in new faces and get themselves ready for 2026/27.

Southampton eye deal for former Sheffield United defender Anel Ahmedhodzic

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In terms of central defenders already at St. Mary's, Southampton have Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Nathan Wood, Jack Stephens, Joshua Quarshie, and young Joachim Kayi Sanda on their books.

That said, Harwood-Bellis transfer exit talk is swirling around Southampton and they may need to make additions in this area before the deadline. Fabrizio Romano has revealed the latest on the situation.

The transfer journalist reveals Southampton are among clubs keen on defender Anel Ahmedhodzic, who could leave Feyenoord this summer. The Saints have made initial contact with more clubs reportedly keen.

Ahmedhodzic spent three seasons at Bramall Lane between 2022 and 2025, with the giant defender finishing second and third with Sheffield United during his two campaigns in the Championship.

He left Bramall Lane in a £7m transfer.

Anel Ahmedhodzic's career stats as Southampton eye Sheffield United fan favourite

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Ahmedhodzic would be a smart addition for a number of Championship clubs targeting promotion, particularly given the Bosnian's previous experience of the division with Sheffield United.

They know his quality well, having signed him from Malmo in 2022 after he began his senior career at Nottingham Forest, before establishing himself in Sweden and enjoying a loan spell with Bordeaux.

He went on to make 114 appearances for the Blades before joining Feyenoord in 2025. Southampton's interest this summer could therefore prompt Sheffield United to enter the race, especially with the 27-year-old now potentially available after falling down the pecking order in Rotterdam.

How Sheffield United and Southampton fans have reacted to Anel Ahmedhodzic transfer update

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A number of Sheffield United and Southampton fans have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to outline their thoughts on Ahmedhodic being linked with a move back to the Championship to play in red and white stripes.

One fan praised Southampton's efforts, stating: "Southampton need that. Defence was their biggest problem last season and Anel is proven in the Championship + PL experience with Sheff Utd. If they can get him cheap, that's a proper upgrade."