Sheffield United confirm latest transfer exit - terms of deal explained
Sheffield United have announced the departure of youngster Mihail Polendakov.
Sheffield United have confirmed that defender Mihail Polendakov has joined Ludogorets on loan ahead of the upcoming campaign.
The 19-year-old, who joined the Blades from Septemvri Sofia last July, has joined the 14-time Bulgarian champions for the duration of the 2026/27 season in a deal that also gives them the chance to turn his temporary stay into a permanent one.
United have said the agreement includes both an option and an obligation for Ludogorets to complete a permanent deal for the right-back if certain criteria are met.
The defender failed to break into the first team following his arrival at Bramall Lane last summer, meaning an initial loan move should benefit the teenager. He was not once included in a matchday squad for the Blades last season.
Polendakov arrived at Bramall Lane last year for what Septemvri Sofia described as a significant, club-record sale. He was identified via United’s data-led approach to recruitment. Former COH Sports Consultant James Bord, who attempted to buy Sheffield Wednesday earlier this year, holds a minority stake in Septemvri, a connection that supported United’s decision to swoop for the youngster.
Polendakov was one of three players brought to Bramall Lane from Bulgaria in 2025, making the switch to South Yorkshire alongside Christian Nwachukwu and Ehije Ukaki. The latter is the only member of the trio to have made his United debut, starting the Blades’ 2-1 defeat to Birmingham City in the first round of the Carabao Cup last August.
Following the signing of Polendakov last summer, former United boss Rubén Sellés said: “Mihail is a really talented player who has played a lot of games for someone at such a young age. We need to see how he adapts into our squad.
“I don't think he's come in to compete directly for the line-up, but he's a player that we are interested in developing. So, we will see in the coming weeks how he adapts to the country, to first-team football.
“We'll give him some time and then decide how to proceed. But he is one of many young and talented players we have been scouting.”
Polendakov has become the third player to leave Bramall Lane on loan this summer, following goalkeeper Luke Faxon and midfielder Alex Matos, who have joined Boston United and Göztepe respectively.