Transfer Centre

Sheffield United to send Luke Thomas back to Leicester City?

By Carter White | 31 December 2023

Sheffield United are reportedly mulling over the option of sending Luke Thomas back to Leicester City in January, with the Blades looking to free up space in their squad.

Sheffield United are reportedly interested in sending Luke Thomas back to Leicester City during the New Year, cutting his loan spell at Bramall Lane short.

The 22-year-old featured in 11 Premier League matches for former Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom but has struggled for game time since his dismissal last month.

Thomas was an unused substitute in the first four matches under the stewardship of new head coach Chris Wilder, however the defender started the 2-0 loss at Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.

The left-back graduated from the Foxes' academy in July 2020 and has featured at youth level for England, playing 15 times for the Three Lions' Under-21s side.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, Sheffield United are considering the possibility of sending Thomas back to Leicester during the January transfer window.

Leicester City's Luke Thomas during the warm up before the match on May 1, 2023 © Reuters

His temporary switch to Bramall Lane is scheduled to last until the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, however the Blades possess the option of cutting the agreement short.

The report claims that Wilder and United's hierarchy are giving serious thought to such a move which would free up another loan spot in the first-team squad.

It is understood that the Blades' decision will be largely dependent on the availability of Max Lowe, who missed the clash with Pep Guardiola's Citizens due to injury.

Thomas could therefore be heading back to the King Power Stadium, where Enzo Maresca's Leicester are well on course for an immediate return to the Premier League.

Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca during the match on December 18, 2023 © Reuters

The Foxes are leading the way in the Championship following a nine-game unbeaten run, sitting 11 points above Russell Martin's Southampton in third.

Leicester do not currently operate with a natural left-back, although James Justin has excelled on that side of Marseca's backline in the first half of the campaign.

Daniel Farke's Leeds United were heavily linked with a move for Thomas in the summer before he switched to Bramall Lane, however the Foxes will not want to strengthen a promotion rival in the New Year.

If Thomas is still within the Sheffield United ranks by next weekend, he could feature in Wilder's side for the FA Cup clash at League Two Gillingham.