Hamza Choudhury's first words after leaving Leicester City as spot for transfer opens up
There was "only one answer" for Hamza Choudhury was he was offered the chance to move to Sheffield United to team up with Chris Wilder again.
On the fringes of Ruud van Nistelrooy’s squad, Choudhury has been allowed to leave Leicester City and links up with Sheffield United on a loan deal until the end of the season. The Championship promotion-chasers have an option to make the move a permanent one in the summer.
It sees Choudhury working for Wilder again, having briefly played under the manager during a loan spell at Watford a couple of years ago. The opportunity to link up with the manager, as well as to receive more game-time, was an easy option to take up for Choudhury.
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"It has been going on for a couple of weeks but I'm happy to be here and ready to get going,” the 27-year-old told his new club. “I've seen the position that the team has put itself in and I want to come here and help.
“I worked with the gaffer for a couple of months at Watford, it was short, but I enjoyed it, so when he called there was only one answer from me. I've played here a couple of times and the atmosphere is always amazing. It is an attractive club for anyone and it is a really good fit for me and my family.”
Following an injury to midfielder Ollie Arblaster, Sheffield United have been short in midfield, and Wilder was keen to strengthen for the second half of the promotion battle. With 29 games played, the Blades are second, a point ahead of Burnley and two behind Leeds.
Wilder said: “He has had success in this division and in an area of the pitch where we are understaffed, Hamza will give us physicality, presence and energy. He has been our main target for this position.
“He's a winner, he's had success at Leicester, and has been in and around their first team for a number of years. We are delighted that we can attract him to bring experience and quality to our group.”
Choudhury had only made six appearances for City this season, and while three of those were under van Nistelrooy, chances of game-time look set to be further reduced. Wilfred Ndidi is due back from injury soon, which would push Choudhury down to fifth in the midfield pecking order, while Woyo Coulibaly’s arrival means he’s no longer required as cover at right-back either.
Choudhury’s departure also opens up a spot in City’s 25-man squad. Coulibaly had filled the last remaining space but City now have scope to register another player. In the final week of the window, a centre-back and a winger are expected to be the club’s priorities, with loan arrivals more likely than transfers.
