Sheffield United have completed the permanent signing of Hamza Choudhury from Leicester City, with the 28-year-old putting pen to paper on a one-year deal for an undisclosed fee. The move ends Choudhury's 11-season association with the Foxes and brings him back to Bramall Lane, where he spent the second half of last season on loan.

A familiar face returns

Choudhury made 16 Championship appearances for the Blades during that loan stint, featuring in the play-off semi-finals and the final against Sunderland. It is that form in particular that convinced manager Chris Wilder to move quickly to tie him down on a permanent basis.

"During the last 10 games of his first spell here, he was arguably our best player, which included the play-off semi-finals and final," Wilder told the club website. The Blades boss also pointed to the practical trigger for the deal, adding: "With one or two injuries that we currently have, it was imperative that we improved competition at right back. We all know that Hamza can do that role and so much more."

It is a significant shift for Choudhury personally. The Bangladesh international came through the Leicester academy and went on to make 166 appearances for the club across all competitions, picking up a Premier League winners' medal in the remarkable 2015-16 title triumph and featuring in their FA Cup final victory over Chelsea in 2021. Leaving a club he has been with for two decades is, by his own admission, a considerable step.

"I've been at Leicester for 20 years now, so it's a change for me and my family, but one I'm really looking forward to," Choudhury said. "Hopefully we can have a big season here."

Wilder reunited with a trusted operator

The relationship between player and manager predates even last season's loan. Choudhury worked under Wilder during a spell at Watford in the 2022-23 campaign, giving the pair a solid working understanding that appears to have been a decisive factor in the transfer.

"I've worked with the manager for a short period at Watford and then obviously the last spell I had here, and we've always kept in touch," the midfielder said. "I really love playing under him."

Wilder spoke after the side's draw with Cardiff of the need to strengthen the squad, and this signing appears to be the first concrete response to that public declaration. Choudhury's versatility is a particular asset; while primarily a central midfielder, he offers cover at right back and can press high with intensity, qualities that suit the demanding style Wilder typically demands from his sides.

What it means for the Blades

For Sheffield United, the permanent acquisition removes the uncertainty that surrounds loan arrangements and locks in a player who had already demonstrated he can function effectively within the group's culture and system. At 28, Choudhury is at an age where he knows his game and can contribute immediately rather than requiring a bedding-in period.

The one-year contract length is worth noting: it suggests the club retained some caution on the financial commitment, which is understandable given the well-documented turbulence in the boardroom at Bramall Lane. That said, the deal represents a clear signal of intent from Wilder as he seeks to build a squad capable of mounting a sustained challenge in the second tier this season.

The fee has not been disclosed, but with Choudhury entering the final stretch of his contract at Leicester, it is unlikely to have been substantial. From a recruitment standpoint, the Blades appear to have secured a Championship-proven operator at a reasonable cost, with the added benefit of genuine familiarity on both sides.

Frequently asked

Has Hamza Choudhury signed for Sheffield United permanently?
Yes. Sheffield United have signed Choudhury on a permanent one-year deal for an undisclosed fee, ending his 11-season spell at Leicester City.
What position does Hamza Choudhury play?
Choudhury is primarily a central midfielder but can also play at right back, which Chris Wilder cited as an important factor in signing him given current injury cover needs.
How did Choudhury perform during his Sheffield United loan spell last season?
He made 16 Championship appearances during the second half of the 2024-25 season, including the play-off semi-finals and the final against Sunderland. Manager Chris Wilder described him as arguably the club's best player over those final 10 games.