Who is the Wolves defender set for Bramall Lane? | OneFootball

Earlier today it was revealed via Danny Hall that the Blades were looking at loaning in Premier League players. With United lodging at least two bids. Additionally, Hall revealed that Femi Seriki had been playing through a knee issue.

So, the newest link to Ki-Jana Hoever, 23, a Wolves right-back, coming into Bramall Lane fits the criteria of targets you’d imagine the Blades are after. Liam Keen’s report suggests the player is set for the temporary switch. So here’s what you need to know about the Wolves defender.

Before this season

After academy days at AZ, Ajax and Liverpool, Hoever born in Amsterdam on 18 January 2002. Hoever made his debut for Liverpool against his current employers Wolves on 7 January 2019 in the FA Cup. Replacing Dejan Lovren, Hoever became Liverpool’s youngest player to feature in the FA Cup.

The youngest records at Liverpool didn’t stop there. His goal against MK Dons on 25 September 2019 saw him become the fourth youngest goalscorer in the club’s history.

In 2020, he left Anfield for Wolves. In his time at Molineux, he was sent out on loan to PSV, Stoke City and most recently Auxerre.

The most useful to look at being his season and a half in the Championship with the Potters.

Stoke City Loan

After 17 appearances for the Potters in 2022-2023. The right-back headed back to the Bet365 stadium a season later where he played consistently making 40 appearances. Contributing five goals and four assists.

Statistically, Hoever was one of the most well-rounded full-backs in the Championship in 2023-2024. His 192 recoveries and 92 tackles that season placed him in the 92nd and 93rd percentile. As well as creating 35 chances, a pass accuracy of 71.7%, eight shots on target showing his ability to make a difference going forward and when defending in the second tier.

This season

So far this season, Hoever has made eight league appearances for a sorry Wolves side starting in six of those matches. A total of 428 minutes.

His stand out positive stats are on the ball. His 31.8% crossing accuracy (75th percentile), successful dribbles (80th percentile), and only being dispossessed three times. All three stats showing his ability to progress the ball forward in the top flight.

His best defensive stat is his duels won percentage (60%) which places him among the better duel winning right-backs in the Premier League in the 88th percentile.

However, he has a poor aerial duels won (50%) and has struggled with accurate long balls (32.1%). Although, it has to be remembered that he is playing for Wolves. Where the team’s on field performances will put pressure on the right-back facing barrages of attacks. Plus, little outlet to get on to any accurate through balls.

Injuries

The Blades have previously tried to sign Hoever, the deal in the summer of 2024 for the player reportedly fell through due to injury concerns. Ultimately, seeing Alfie Gilchrist arrive at Bramall Lane instead.

Hoever has missed eight matches this season for Wolves following a knee injury he suffered against AFC Bournemouth. This is concerning news for a signing although any concerns over the injury resurfacing must be minimal if the Blades are considering bringing him in for the second half of this season.

Takeaways

Hoever is a talented right-back who has proven himself at the Championship level with Stoke City. The Blades are crying out for competition and cover at right-back for Femi Seriki. When you put that together with the fact that Wilder has clearly admired him for a while, the loan signing could be a match-made in heaven.

Although, his injury history and recent concerns may make an otherwise no brainer move needlessly risky. Hopefully, Hoever can stay fit and find his way back to his Stoke form should he arrive in Sheffield.