Sheffield United must target ‘incredible’ Premier League star as Anel Ahmedhodzic replacement

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Sheffield United require defensive reinforcements within the final few weeks of the summer transfer window.

Sheffield United host Bristol City at 5:30pm this afternoon in the Blades’ first Championship game under Ruben Selles.

In the OPTA supercomputer predictions, Sheffield United are title favourites for the 2025/26 season, but that could change come transfer deadline day on September 1.

After ending last season in a heartbreaking play-off final defeat to Sunderland, several Sheffield United stars have exited Bramall Lane this summer.

The most concerning departure is with Anel Ahmedhodzic’s move to Feyenoord, and given that Selles desperately needs to replace the central defender, a familiar face to Championship fans should be targeted by Sheffield United before the window shuts.

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Sheffield United must target Callum Doyle after Anel Ahmedhodzic exit

Ahmedhodzic made his debut for Feyenoord just days after leaving the Blades, and the onus is now on the Sheffield United transfer team to replace the centre-back.

That will be a difficult task given that Ahmedhodzic cemented himself as one of the best players in the Championship last season in his third year as a Blade.

Selles is in the market for new central defenders as reports emerged this week that Sheffield United are considering Ben Godfrey as a potential replacement for Ahmedhodzic.

Another impressive option for the Blades would be Manchester City defender Callum Doyle, who spent last season on loan at Norwich City in the Championship.

Doyle featured 40 times for the Canaries last term, scoring once and assisting 7 goals, in his fourth successive loan spell away from the Etihad.

The City youngster has proven his class since his breakout loan spell at Sunderland in their promotion from League One, and Doyle is now looking for a new permanent footballing home.

City want £12.7m for Doyle, but as EFL Analysis exclusively revealed, thanks to Football Finance expert Adam Williams, Sheffield United could be spending more this summer.

With the funds from Ahmedhodzic also in the coffers, a move for Doyle is financially feasible, and it would be an impressive coup for the Blades.

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‘Incredible’ Callum Doyle would be a brilliant Anel Ahmedhodzic replacement

During Doyle’s loan stint at Norwich, his Canaries captain, Kenny McLean, told Manchester City’s media of the defender’s quality.

McLean said of Doyle: “When he’s on the ball and is progressing and steps into midfield and plays a forward pass, he’s incredible at it and we’re very fortunate that we’ve got someone who can do that for us in that position,

“When someone’s got that quality and ability, it’s easy to link up with him.”

With Selles set to play a more progressive style than predecessor Chris Wilder, Doyle would be well-suited to his possession-oriented philosophy.

Another bonus with Doyle is that he is left-footed, which offers great benefit in terms of progressing play up the pitch that could be crucial to help getting past low-resting defences.

With Doyle in need of a new chapter away from the Etihad and the Blades in the market for a new centre-half, the move would be an impressive one for both parties.