Hamza Choudhury has enjoyed a strong start to life on loan at Sheffield United, but could face a stumbling block at some point this season.
Choudhury was hailed on his Sheffield United debut after an impressive showing from the Leicester academy graduate.
The midfielder, who Ruud van Nistelrooy let Choudhury leave to get more game time, has played in two games so far and won both of them 1-0.
Sheffield United are well in the hunt for Championship promotion and strengthened their squad heavily in the transfer window, including the £10m acquisition of Tom Cannon to join the Blades.
It’s early days and Choudhury does appear to have a crucial role in the promotion push going forward but, there is one rule that could hinder his loan spell.
Sheffield United face loan rule that they must adhere to
By moving to Bramall Lane as a loan player, Choudhury joins a list of five other players (Ben Brereton Diaz, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Alfie Gilchrist, Harry Clarke and Rob Holding), Chris Wilder’s side face a crisis.
As pointed out by the Chelsea loan Army, EFL rules state that only five loanees can be included in a matchday squad.
For now though, it seems that the 27-year-old won’t have to worry about his place, with Chelsea loanee Gilchrist allegedly told he won’t be part of the matchday squads going forward.
Chris Wilder says Hamza Choudhury was his number one target
The decision to join Sheffield United seemed like a no-brainer for Choudhury.
During his welcome interview, Choudhury highlighted Wilder as the reason for joining the Blades after working with him at Watford
Sheffield United’s manager echoed those sentiments after his moved was confirmed and said he was their biggest target.
“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,” Wilder said.
“He has been our main target for this position. He’s a winner, he’s had success at Leicester, has been in and around their first team for a number of years and we are delighted that we can attract him to bring experience and quality to our group.”