Former Barcelona Man Close to Joining Sheffield United on Loan | OneFootball

Shetfield United are closing in on an agreement to sign Chadi Riad on loan, per Africa Foot, with significant progress made over the past few days following positive medical reports sent to Bramall Lane by Crystal Palace.

The Moroccan defender has also recently returned from injury, further boosting confidence that a deal can be completed in the coming days.

The move comes at a key moment for Chris Wilder, who is eager to reinforce his defensive options. Last week, United confirmed that Nils Zatterstrom has left the club to join Serie A side Genoa on loan, with the Italian outfit holding an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season.

Zatterstrom, who arrived from Malmo last August, departs without having made a senior appearance for the Blades. The Swedish international found himself on the fringes of the matchday squad throughout the early campaign and struggled to force his way into Wilder’s plans.

Sheffield United Are Currently Light At the Back

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 17: Japhet Tanganga of Sheffield United interacts with Referee Oliver Langford after teammate El Hadji Djibril Soumare (not pictured) is shown a red following a challenge on Harvey Knibbs of Charlton Athletic (not pictured) during the Sky Bet Championship match between Charlton Athletic and Sheffield United at The Valley on January 17, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images)

His departure has left United light in central defence. At present, Wilder has just four recognised centre-back options: Japhet Tanganga, Tyler Bindon, Mark McGuinness and Ben Mee. Tanganga is set to miss one more match as he completes a three-game suspension, while Bindon is currently sidelined as he recovers from illness. That situation has increased the urgency of United’s pursuit of Riad.

The Crystal Palace defender who was once on the books at Barcelona, impressed during spells at Real Betis a couple seasons ago, and is seen as a strong short-term solution with the physicality and composure needed to slot into Wilder’s system. United are hopeful of finalising the deal soon to avoid being left exposed at the back.

Blades Hunting to Improve Depth

Defensive reinforcements are not the only priority before the window closes. Wilder is also keen to bolster his midfield options, with the Blades having been linked with loan moves for Ross Barkley and Sunderland’s Dan Neil over the past fortnight.

While both players would add quality and experience to United’s engine room, no agreement has yet been reached. With the latter being linked with moves to both West Ham United and Rangers, the Blades look firmly out of the race for the Sunderland midfielder’s signature.