Luke Thomas explains Sheffield United move from Leicester as Blades pip Leeds United to transfer
Sheffield United have moved quickly to solve a defensive issue with the signing of Leicester City defender Luke Thomas
Sheffield United have completed the signing of Luke Thomas from Leicester City. The 22-year-old has joined on a season-long loan.
Manager Paul Heckingbottom’s transfer priorities changed this week when Ben Osborn suffered a serious groin injury. Added to Max Lowe’s ankle problem and Rhys Norrington-Davies still rehabbing from a hamstring operation, it meant they were short on numbers in this position.
Yasser Larouci was the only recognised left wing-back but Thomas brings much-needed Premier League experience.
A product of the Leicester City academy, he has featured 56 times in the top flight, starting 47 of those. He is yet to feature this season, however, under new manager Enzo Maresca.
Ironically, he was handed his senior debut by Brendan Rodgers against Sheffield United in July 2020 in a 2-0 win at the King Power Stadium. He has also featured in the Europa League and was part of the team that beat Chelsea to win the FA Cup in 2021.
Although only 22, he’s a player not short on big-match experience and he was also part of the England team that won the European under-21 Championships in the summer.
Championship side Leeds United were also said to be keen on Thomas, but Paul Heckingbottom has won the race. Speaking after agreeing his loan move to Bramall Lane, Thomas told the club’s website: “When United came in a few days ago, it was an easy decision for me.
“Coming back to playing Premier League football is obviously what I wanted to do. Coming here is a great experience and I can’t wait to get started.
“I had interest elsewhere at the time but then United came along and it was an easy decision like I say – a no brainer really. I can’t wait to get going.
“I think this is a huge moment. Getting game time and getting into the team here is a key thing for me. I want to be playing as many games as possible, especially in the Premier League, my career has gone well so far, I’ve won a few things, so hopefully I can continue that here.”
That top level pedigree is something that appealed to manager Paul Heckingbottom. He said: “Luke has got a top pedigree, he’s a good young player who also has a wealth of experience at Premier League level.
“What also impressed me was that he was hungry to come in and is keen to get started.”
