21-year-old in talks to leave Sheffield United | OneFootball

Sheffield United midfielder Alex Matos is in talks to join Swedish side AIK on loan.

Sheffield United midfielder Alex Matos is in talks to join Swedish outfit AIK on loan this month.

The Blades are vying to improve their squad in the January transfer window, following their 4-3 defeat to League One club Mansfield Town in Sunday's FA Cup third round clash.

Chris Wilder's men have also endured an underwhelming Championship campaign, and remain just 16th after beating Leicester City 3-1 on New Year's Day.

The South Yorkshire club have already been busy in the transfer market, as Ki-Jana Hoever joined Sheffield United on loan from Wolves, whereas Louie Marsh has moved to Scottish Premiership club Falkirk in a loan deal.

Sheffield United starlet Alex Matos in talks to join AIK on loan

While the Bramall Lane club are battling to climb the Championship table, Matos has endured a lack of game time in the second tier, making just eight league appearances for the Blades this term.

The 21-year-old enjoyed just 19 minutes of action in December, featuring as a substitute in clashes against both Norwich City and Stoke City.

It is no surprise, then, that Wilder's men have given the green light for Matos to leave South Yorkshire on loan this month, while he is in talks with AIK, according to Football Insider.

AIK's domestic season in Sweden gets underway in February, so the Sheffield United man will hope to gain playing time in their upcoming friendlies against the likes of MLS outfit Toronto and Norwegian side Viking.

AIK loan move is exactly what Matos needs

The Blades have endured a largely poor Championship campaign, suffering 13 defeats in 25 league fixtures so far this term.

However, the South Yorkshire club's lowly position is not indicative of the talent that Wilder has in his squad, including in midfield.

Quality players such as former Crystal Palace man Jairo Riedewald and Djibril Soumare, who is on loan from Portuguese side Braga, have prevented Matos from enjoying regular game time at Bramall Lane.

Therefore, for the sake of his own development, the 21-year-old needs to complete his loan move to AIK, where he should play regular football.

Matos rose through the youth academy ranks at Chelsea and went on to make two senior appearances for the West Londoners in the 2023/24 season, including one Premier League outing.

The midfielder joined Huddersfield Town on loan from the Stamford Bridge club in January 2024, going on to score one goal in 20 appearances for the Terriers.

Still unable to earn regular minutes at Chelsea, Matos joined Oxford United for the second half of last term and made 21 outings for the Championship club.

Following his permanent move to Sheffield United last summer, the former Huddersfield man will have wanted to enjoy a more stable career.

However, owing to a lack of game time in South Yorkshire, Matos is on the move once again and will hope to make an impact in Sweden for Mikkjal Thomassen's side.

Meanwhile, as the midfielder seeks a loan move to the Swedish top flight, Wilder's men are preparing for their upcoming Championship clash with Charlton Athletic.