Sheffield United centre-back Chris Basham believes his side did extremely well in the summer to lure fellow defender Anel Ahmedhodzic to Bramall Lane in the summer and is surprised he didn't go to a bigger club, speaking to the Blades' media team.
The Bosnian wasn't short of interest in England during the summer, with Blackburn Rovers believed to have been firmly in the race as they looked to replace ex-captain Darragh Lenihan and former loanee Jan Paul van Hecke.
However, their late appointments of Jon Dahl Tomasson and Gregg Broughton may have played a part in the end as they lost out to the Blades, who sealed just their second addition for a transfer fee since their return to the Championship, also forking out money to bring Adam Davies in from Stoke City in January.
Following two reasonably low-spending windows at the time, with the Blades looking to adjust to the financial conditions of the English second tier, this addition was a big boost for the South Yorkshire outfit.
They were in need of a couple of central defenders in the summer following the departures of Ben Davies, Charlie Goode and Filip Uremovic - and Ahmedhodzic has performed superbly since his arrival.
Recording three goals and one assist in 13 league appearances for the Blades so far this season, he has been a threat in both boxes and Basham is one man who certainly isn't underestimating his worth.
He said (via Inside Futbol): "I’m surprised he hasn’t been picked up by [bigger teams].
"We’re the lucky ones and he’s done ever so well for Sheffield United, fair play to whoever brought him in because he’s been fantastic.
"I’m surprised he hasn’t gone. He will be a Premier League player in the next few years, I’m sure, and I hope it’s for Sheffield United."
The Verdict:
The Bosnian is certainly proving his worth and considering his performances have been highlighted despite having the likes of John Egan and Basham alongside him, both of whom are already established figures in this division, that's a very promising sign for the future.
It did feel as though Heckingbottom deserved a big signing following his progress with the Blades last season and Ahmedhodzic has been just that, with the fact he's a permanent addition allowing the Blades to cash in on him in the future if necessary.
The South Yorkshire outfit are currently in a very good position - because they could either sell him on for a considerable amount of money or he could be a decent asset to have in the top flight if they return there.
It does feel like they need players who will be able to make the step up considering there's a real possibility that they will get themselves back to the top flight at the second time of asking at the end of the season.
And Ahmedhodzic should be able to make the transition seamlessly if he can continue to perform well, with his contributions in the final third also proving to be crucial. He will want to build on this for the remainder of the season.