Transfer Centre

Napoli 'make bid for Sheffield United's Anel Ahmedhodzic'

By Carter White | 16 January 2024

Napoli are reportedly eyeing up a January move for Sheffield United's Anel Ahmedhodzic, with the Serie A champions submitting a bid for the centre-back.

Napoli have reportedly submitted a bid for Sheffield United defender Anel Ahmedhodzic as the Italians look to improve their backline this month.

The 24-year-old signed for the Blades from Swedish outfit Malmo in the summer of 2022, playing 34 times in the Championship for Paul Heckingbottom's side - netting seven goals - as they were promoted to the top flight last campaign.

Ahmedhodzic has been a regular for Heckingbottom and Chris Wilder this term at Bramall Lane, featuring in 14 matches in the Premier League, scoring once.

The centre-back is also a stalwart on the international stage, earning 21 caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina since making his debut in September 2020.

According to Football Insider, Napoli have joined the race for Ahmedhodzic's services during this month's transfer window.

Sheffield United's Anel Ahmedhodzic during the warm upon August 18, 2023 © Reuters

The report claims that the Serie A champions have tabled a bid for the former Sweden youth international, hoping to lure him away from Bramall Lane over the next fortnight.

It is no secret that Walter Mazzarri's men are on the hunt for reinforcements at the back in January as they look to climb up the Serie A standings.

Chelsea's Trevor Chalobah has been mentioned as a potential arrival at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, with the Englishman surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge under Mauricio Pochettino.

The Serie A champions are currently languishing in eighth in the Italian top flight, three points behind fourth-placed Fiorentina after 20 matches.

After losing key players such as Sander Berge and Iliman Ndiaye to Burnley and Marseille in the summer, Sheffield United fans will be concerned about the prospect of losing Ahmedhodzic halfway through the campaign.

Brighton & Hove Albion's Lewis Dunk in action with Olympique de Marseille's Iliman Ndiaye on October 5, 2023 © Reuters

Wilder's men have been preparing for the eventuality of the Bosnian leaving, though, with the Blades supposedly keen on Bournemouth defender Chris Mepham.

The Wales international is playing a bit-part role under Andoni Iraola this term, featuring in just 175 minutes of Premier League football in 2023-24.

Despite Ahmedhodzic impressing enough to capture the attention of the Partenopei, Sheffield United have the leakiest defence in the Premier League, conceding 49 goals in 20 contests.

Following a four-goal thrashing of League Two strugglers Gillingham in the FA Cup, the Blades are back in league action against West Ham United on Sunday afternoon.