Harry Souttar

Transfer news and rumours: Souttar to Sheffield United, Sanchez to Udinese

07/08/2024 Raymond 0

Leicester City, newly promoted to the Premier League, have announced that towering defender Harry Souttar will be loaned to Sheffield United for the 2024-25 season. The Australian international, who has struggled for playing time at Leicester, will join the Blades without an option for a permanent transfer. Last season, Souttar made just four appearances for Leicester, and with strong competition in the defensive lineup, he has been deemed surplus to requirements. Excited about the move, Souttar stated, “As soon as I found out I was available and the club was looking at me, it was a no-brainer to come here.” Despite being under contract with Leicester until 2028, Souttar has played only 16 games for the Foxes since his January 2023 transfer from Stoke City.

Cannon in: These 4 things happening at Stoke City will have supporters in August dreamland

04/08/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City have already signed Ben Gibson as a center-back this summer but are looking to add another defender following Michael Rose’s injury, which is expected to sideline him for up to ten weeks. Currently, Stoke’s senior center-back options include Gibson, Rose, and Ben Wilmot, with promising youngsters Jaden Dixon and Freddie Anderson also in the mix. However, these young players are not expected to play regularly in the Championship.

Rose’s ankle injury during a friendly against Crewe Alexandra on July 23 has prompted head coach Steven Schumacher to prioritize signing a new center-back before the transfer window closes on August 30. While The Telegraph’s John Percy suggested that Leicester City center-back Harry Souttar could return to the bet365 Stadium on loan, this seems unlikely, leading Stoke to consider other targets such as Scott McKenna from Nottingham Forest or Michal Helik from Huddersfield Town.

Stoke fans will appreciate the addition of defensive reinforcements, given the current weaknesses compared to previous seasons. Gibson is a solid acquisition but is over 30 and has a history of injuries, while Wilmot has struggled to regain his form after consecutive back and knee injuries last year. Therefore, a new defender would be a welcome addition for the Potters.