Sheffield United are reportedly close to being bought out by Nigerian billionaire Dozy Mmobuosi in a deal worth £90 million. The Blades, who are pushing for promotion back to the Premier League this season, were hit by a transfer embargo last month amid financial difficulties. Their problems are now expected to ease with Mmobuosi’s takeover; he is a Nigerian tech entrepreneur whose company Tingo has been valued at around £7 billion.
The Times reports that Mmobuosi is currently undergoing the EFL’s owners’ and directors’ test, but no issues have been flagged so far. The embargo, which prevents the club from signing a player for the next 18 months unless they win promotion, was imposed because Sheffield United failed to keep up payment instalments on signings. This includes payments to Liverpool for forward Rhian Brewster, who was signed in October 2020 for £23.5 million but has not lived up to expectations or his price tag.
The 22‑year‑old Brewster, part of England’s Under‑17 World Cup‑winning squad in 2017, failed to break into Jürgen Klopp’s first‑team plans and left for Bramall Lane in search of regular football. However, he has managed only 63 appearances for the Blades, hampered by various hamstring problems, and has recorded a modest five goals and one assist.
United are also reportedly trying to renegotiate the payment structure to Swedish club Malmö for Bosnian defender Anel Ahmedhodzic, who moved last summer. The embargo was imposed as Prince Abdullah, the club’s current Saudi owner, was close to selling the South Yorkshire club.
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