Socceroos defender Harry Souttar has signed a season-long loan deal with English Championship club Sheffield United from Leicester City.
Souttar managed just three games for the Foxes in England's second division last season in what was his first full year with the midlands club.
The 25-year-old has managed 16 appearances for Leicester City since joining them from Stoke City midway through the 2022/23 campaign, with a dozen of those matches coming in the Premier League prior to the club's relegation.
While the Foxes will return to the top flight, Souttar will play the coming season with the Blades on a 12-month stint for the Scottish-born backman.
"I knew that it might be on for a couple of weeks, but over the weekend I was waiting on the phone call telling me to come up to Sheffield. I can't wait to get started," Souttar said in a club statement.
"The club speaks for itself. I don't need to tell anyone how big the club is. As soon as I found out I was available and the club was looking at me, it was a no brainer to come here.
"I spoke to the gaffer a few times, but he didn't have to sell the club to me at all. I've known some of the lads here and know about the club's ethos and vision. I feel this will be a great partnership at this stage of my career and I am raring to go.
"I can't wait to get working under him and his staff and seeing the squad they have built this pre-season; it is looking really exciting."
Souttar has played 30 games at the international level for Australia, scoring 11 goals as a commanding defender at 200cm tall.
"Getting someone of Harry's calibre and experience is a huge plus, and he'll add some steel to our defensive unit," Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder said.
"His height and power are exactly what we've been looking for since we lost a couple of experienced heads, but with the loan market we have had to bide our time a little in order to get him here.
"Harry's still only 25 but he's been around a long time. He can handle the highest of levels as shown with his appearances for Australia, and again he's someone who knows this division and what is needed to be successful in it."
Souttar has also held stints with Dundee United, Ross County and Fleetwood Town across his senior career.
