Sheffield United are reportedly considering a move for Motherwell left-back Emmanuel Longelo when the transfer window opens in January.
The former Birmingham City defender has attracted interest after an impressive spell in Scotland, with journalist Alan Nixon identifying him as a target for Chris Wilder. Now 25, Longelo could be offered another opportunity in the Championship, although the Blades’ ability to finance a deal remains uncertain.
United already have Harrison Burrows and Sam McCallum available on the left, so any move would add competition in an area where Wilder has options. Their recruitment plans also come against a backdrop of restricted spending, despite the summer departures of Gustavo Hamer, Callum O’Hare and Andre Brooks.
Chief executive Stephen Bettis has sought to manage expectations about January, explaining that those sales helped the club meet its financial requirements. While further departures are not necessary, he has made clear that supporters should not anticipate substantial investment.
“Personally I don’t see us spending huge sums of money in January,” Bettis told local media. “But we’re under no pressure to sell either.”
That leaves a question over how far United could pursue Longelo, whose attacking contribution has been a feature of his time at Fir Park. He recorded nine goals and five assists across 44 appearances last season, helping Motherwell secure fourth place in the Scottish Premiership and qualification for Europe.
His return this term has been more modest, with one goal and two assists in 19 outings. That goal came against German side Freiburg during Conference League qualifying in August, although Motherwell were beaten 4-1.
Longelo’s progress in Scotland follows a less settled introduction to senior football in England. A product of West Ham United’s academy, he made two first-team appearances for the Hammers, featuring against Hull City in the League Cup and Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League.
He joined Birmingham on loan in August 2022 before signing permanently in January 2023 for a reported £400,000. However, he subsequently struggled for regular opportunities and spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Cambridge United, scoring twice in 19 appearances across all competitions.
Motherwell signed him for an undisclosed fee in July 2025, agreeing a contract until 2027 with an option for a further year. His productive first season has since put him back on the radar of clubs in England, with United now linked as they assess their winter options.
The Blades sit 10th after 13 Championship matches, giving Wilder something to build on following a difficult summer in the market. Whether Longelo becomes a realistic addition will depend on the resources available, with interest in the defender yet to translate into a confirmed deal.
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