Sheffield United are close to finalising a permanent transfer for Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury. The club hope to complete the effectively free deal before Tuesday's 11pm deadline, according to a report from thestar.co.uk.
Choudhury was scheduled for a medical on Sunday. United aim to have him registered in time for Tuesday night's Championship fixture against Bolton Wanderers. Manager Chris Wilder is a long-term admirer of the player, having first seen him play as a 15-year-old for Leicester in a pre-season game at Northampton. The move addresses an immediate need following an injury to right-back Femi Seriki, though the full extent of Seriki's issue is not yet confirmed. Matt Doherty, a summer free-agent signing, provides back-up in that position.
Why is Choudhury a target for Wilder?
Chris Wilder has tracked Hamza Choudhury for years and previously worked with him during a loan spell at Watford and again last season. The manager values the midfielder's experience and winning mentality. "I’ve always tracked him, since I saw him play as a 15 year old for Leicester when they came and played a pre-season game at Northampton," Wilder said. Choudhury brings a pedigree that includes being part of a Premier League title-winning squad, an FA Cup victory, and experience in the Champions League and European competition. Wilder also noted, "He's tasted success and knows how to get out of the division."
This deal serves both short and medium-term objectives. In the immediate future, it bolsters a squad managing injuries, with Tahith Chong and Ruel One currently sidelined. Looking further ahead, the permanent signing provides stability with midfielders Joe Rothwell and Jairo Riedewald out of contract next summer and Kalvin Phillips only on loan. There is also ongoing speculation about the future of young midfielder Sydie Peck.
How does he fit into the current squad?
Choudhury's arrival adds depth and versatility to Sheffield United's midfield options. He spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Bramall Lane, helping the club reach the Championship play-off final, so he is already familiar with the setup. His signing follows a 2-2 draw with Cardiff City and comes as Wilder confirmed the club were "down the line with a couple of signings." The manager also hopes to add a centre-half before the window closes, with current options including Japhet Tanganga, Mark McGuinness, and Jamal Baptiste. Rhys Norrington-Davies can also provide cover in a back three.
Leicester City's desire to remove Choudhury's wages from their books, following successive relegations from the Premier League to League One, facilitated the move. For United, it represents a cost-effective solution to a clear squad need. Fans can track the evolving squad composition on our squad page.
What does this mean for United's season?
The acquisition is designed to strengthen United's push for promotion this season. Choudhury's know-how from a career at the top level is seen as a major asset for a Championship campaign. His permanent status offers more certainty than a loan, aligning with the club's planning. This business occurs against the backdrop of a busy period in the Championship; you can follow United's progress in the standings and check upcoming matches on our fixtures list.
With the deadline fast approaching, completing the Choudhury deal is a priority. Securing his signature would conclude a key piece of summer business for Chris Wilder, providing a proven operator for the challenges ahead. The club's activity, alongside managing existing absentees like Chong and One, shows a focused approach to building a competitive squad.
