Sassuolo submit £6m bid for Sheffield United defender Femi Seriki

Italian Serie A club Sassuolo have made a €6m offer for Sheffield United defender Femi Seriki, with €1m paid initially and a further €5m obligation to buy included in the proposal, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The initial payment is worth approximately N1.6bn, while the additional €5m commitment would amount to about N8bn in Nigerian currency. Sassuolo are understood to be keen to complete a deal for the Nigeria-eligible full-back as they continue to strengthen their defence ahead of the new season.

Seriki, 24, is reportedly high on the Italian club’s list of transfer targets after developing into an increasingly important member of the Sheffield United squad. The right-back progressed through the club’s academy system and has since gained experience from a series of loan spells.

The Manchester-born defender began his youth career at Bury before joining Sheffield United’s academy. He later spent time on loan with Beerschot, Boston United, Rochdale and Rotherham United, opportunities which helped him build senior experience before establishing himself at Bramall Lane.

Sassuolo’s interest reflects the attention Seriki’s performances have attracted beyond English football. He is regarded as a quick and versatile defender who can contribute in attacking areas while operating on the right side of the defence.

Sheffield United have previously demonstrated their confidence in Seriki by extending his contract. His current agreement with the club runs until 2027, meaning the Championship side are under no immediate pressure to sell unless the terms of Sassuolo’s proposal are accepted.

The suggested move would give Seriki the chance to continue his development in Serie A and experience football outside England. It could also bring him closer to a decision over his international future, with his Nigerian family background making him eligible to represent the Super Eagles.

Seriki was born in Manchester and has represented the pathway available to a player with eligibility through family ties, although no decision on his international allegiance has been stated. A move to Italy could increase his profile as he considers his options at senior international level.

Romano reported that Sassuolo have presented the €1m upfront offer alongside the obligation to buy, rather than a simple outright transfer proposal. Sheffield United will now have to assess whether the structure and overall value of the bid meet their expectations for a player contracted to the club for another year beyond the immediate campaign.

For Sassuolo, the proposal is part of their effort to add defensive reinforcements. For Seriki, it represents a possible next step after progressing from academy football, gaining experience at several clubs on loan and becoming a first-team figure at Sheffield United.