Hamza Choudhury's Sheffield United future addressed as one detail raises eyebrows after Leicester City transfer
Hamza Choudhury has returned to Sheffield United on an initial one-year deal, but Chris Wilder already sees the Leicester City midfielder as someone who could remain at Bramall Lane for years to come.
Chris Wilder sees Hamza Choudhury as potentially being part of his Sheffield United plans for years to come, after describing the midfielder's return to Bramall Lane as another piece of "smart" business by the Blades. The 28-year-old has signed an initial one-year deal in South Yorkshire.
The deal, as we revealed over the weekend, is effectively a free transfer despite United’s official confirmation of the move speaking of an undisclosed fee being paid to Leicester City.
In the first instance he will provide much-needed strength at right-back, given Femi Seriki’s recent injury, while his experience, versatility and winning mentality make him an ideal fit for the challenge ahead.
United’s thinking also stretches well beyond the current campaign, with Joe Rothwell, Jairo Riedewald and Kalvin Phillips’ contracts all expiring next summer and Choudhury, at 28, potentially at Bramall Lane for the long term.
“That easily changes ... it was just part of the negotiation,” said Wilder, when asked about the length of Choudhury’s contract.
“But I'm looking at Hamza being here for the next two, three, four or five years and being part of the group that hopefully has a successful season. He’s a free transfer, a player of ability, experience, versatility and attitude, and I've never seen a happier player walk through the door."
Choudhury twice helped Leicester win promotion to the Premier League and played a part in them winning the FA Cup in 2021 as well. "He's a winner,” Wilder added, “and it’s another smart bit of business from our point of view.
"The competition is as fierce as it’s ever been for the small number of players who are available and we’re not paying fees, so it’s always going to be loans. It's not lazy recruitment [to bring back Choudhury] ... it's going back to players that I know can do a job for us."