Following their relegation to the Championship, Sheffield United is set to overhaul their squad, with Tunisian international Anis Ben Slimane among the players poised to depart.
Anis Ben Slimane’s stint at Sheffield United has been short-lived and less impactful than anticipated. After joining the Blades last summer from Bröndby IF for €2.7 million, the 23-year-old midfielder struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup.
Sheffield United, which finished at the bottom of the Premier League table with a mere 16 points from 38 matches, now faces the task of restructuring their team for the upcoming 2024-2025 season in the Championship.
Ben Slimane’s statistics reflect a challenging season. He made only 15 appearances, accumulating a total of 411 minutes on the pitch.
His limited playtime included just four starts, with the remainder of his appearances coming off the bench. Consequently, he spent 13 matches on the sidelines, underscoring his peripheral role in the squad.
The Tunisian midfielder, capped 34 times for his national team and netting four goals, has not lived up to expectations at Bramall Lane.
His minimal contribution on the field has led Sheffield United to consider him surplus to requirements as they prepare for life in the second tier of English football.
Interest in Ben Slimane’s services remains, however, particularly from the Bundesliga. Clubs like Freiburg and Mainz have reportedly shown interest in acquiring the player, whose contract with Sheffield United extends until June 30, 2026.
These inquiries suggest that despite his underwhelming season in England, Ben Slimane still holds appeal in the European market.
As Sheffield United brace for their Championship campaign, the club is keen on trimming its roster to balance finances and build a more competitive team.
The decision to place several players, including Ben Slimane, on the transfer list marks the beginning of what is expected to be a busy summer for the Blades.
For Ben Slimane, a move away from Sheffield United could offer a fresh start and an opportunity to rediscover the form that initially brought him to the attention of European clubs.
His departure will also provide Sheffield United with some financial relief and the flexibility to bring in new talent tailored to their goals for the upcoming season.
