Sheffield United Boss Delighted to Sign “Highly Rated” Premier League Defender on Loan | OneFootball

Ki-Jana Hoever has officially arrived at Sheffield United on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers until the end of the season, with Chris Wilder moving swiftly to bolster his options at right-back for the remainder of the campaign.

The Blades have secured the 23-year-old after long-standing admiration, having previously attempted to land the defender during the summer of 2024. That move ultimately failed to materialise due to fitness concerns at the time, but with those now behind him, United have returned to a player they have tracked closely for some time.

Hoever departs a struggling Wolves side having made eight league appearances this season, starting six of those matches, and brings with him valuable experience across both the Premier League and Championship despite his young age.

Chris Wilder on Ki-Jana Hoever

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 29: Chris Wilder, Manager of Sheffield United applauds the fans after the Sky Bet Championship match between Stoke City and Sheffield United at Bet365 Stadium on December 29, 2025 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Speaking to the club following the completion of the deal, Chris Wilder made no secret of his satisfaction at getting the move over the line:

“It is no secret that we need to strengthen on the right side, and during discussions about personnel in that area going forward, Ki’s name was always one which featured prominently as he possesses quality. The loan market tends to be one which intensifies later in the window, so to have this deal completed is a huge boost for us.

“Ki is still a young man, but he’s experienced plenty in his early career. To have been at some of the clubs he has represented just shows how highly rated he is. What I like about him though is the desire to go and play. He now knows what it takes to be successful at this level, and by his own admission, he’s really matured, on and off the pitch. He’s ready to take the next opportunity in his career and we’re delighted to have added him to our squad, not least for balance.”

Sheffield United Have Experience And Quality in Hoever

Hoever’s pedigree at Championship level is well established. During the 2023/24 season, he enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Stoke City, where he was a near ever-present. The Dutch defender made 40 league appearances for the Potters, scoring four goals and registering five assists from right-back, figures that highlighted both his durability and his attacking threat.

For Sheffield United, the timing of the move is perfect. Femi Seriki has been forced to shoulder an enormous workload in recent weeks, playing almost every available minute throughout 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 provides immediate competition, depth, and much-needed rotation in a crucial area of the pitch. Comfortable in possession, athletic, and capable of contributing in the final third, he offers Wilder tactical flexibility while easing the physical burden on Seriki, but whilst also keeping consistency in that position in terms of both of their playing styles.