Sheffield United officially confirm former Liverpool defender to return to club
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Sheffield United have released their retained list for the end of the 2025/26 with one former Liverpool defender making an exit. Image Credits: Imago ImagesAs the EFL season winds down, clubs across the country are beginning to publish their retained and released lists, with plenty of familiar names learning where they stand ahead of the summer.For Liverpool fans, that process has already thrown up a few notable updates, including Plymouth Argyle’s decision to release former Reds pair Herbie Kane and Luca Ashby-Hammond.Now Sheffield United have provided an update of their own, and it includes a former Liverpool defender.
The Blades’ retained list confirms that Ki-Jana Hoever will return to parent club Wolves following the end of his loan spell at Bramall Lane, bringing his short stay in South Yorkshire to a close.Hoever joined Sheffield United on loan in January after spending the first half of the campaign with Wolves, and he went on to make 16 appearances for the Blades, including six starts. Sheffield United’s official player page lists him with 603 minutes played during his stint, giving him a decent run of involvement.A Blades statement read:“Following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, Sheffield United can now confirm the paperwork has been submitted to the EFL with regards to which players have been retained and released.”“The club wishes to place on record its thanks to players departing Bramall Lane and wish them well in their future endeavors.”The Dutch defender made four senior appearances for the Reds before sealing a move to Wolves in September 2020, with widespread reports at the time placing the fee at around £9 million, potentially rising with add-ons.His career has taken him on a few different turns since then, with loan spells at the likes of Stoke City, PSV, and French outfit AJ Auxerre used to build experience and regular minutes away from Molineux.This latest return now leaves Wolves with a decision to make on the 23-year-old’s future, whether that means reintegrating him into their plans for the Championship or perhaps deciding it’s time for a permanent move. ki-jana hoever Sheffield United