Sheffield United have announced the signing of Tunisia international midfielder Anis Ben Slimane.
The 22-year-old arrives for an undisclosed fee from Danish club Brondby, putting pen to paper on a three-year deal that will keep him at Bramall Lane until 2026.
Slimane, who becomes the Blades' first signing since being promoted to the Premier League, has already joined up with his new teammates and could feature in Saturday's pre-season friendly against Chesterfield.
"I like the culture of the club. I heard it is a hard-working club and that reminds me of myself. I love to work hard, and I love to give everything - leave everything out on the pitch. At this club, nothing is given, everything is worked for," the midfielder told the club's official website.
"I had a really good talk with the club and the manager and I felt that they had the right plan for me. The manager was really honest and I am excited to be here and looking forward to the Premier League.
Welcome to the Blades, Anis. ✍️ pic.twitter.com/4HW3eIfzl8
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) July 13, 2023
"It is a big opportunity and a big challenge, I am not coming here for a vacation. I have been through a lot in my career so far, even though I'm only 22, but I still have a lot to learn, and I am looking forward to learning every day."
Manager Paul Heckingbottom added: "He's 22 but someone with a lot of experience. He's played a lot of first-team games, been to a World Cup and someone who has continually gone up the ladder in terms of his levels.
"He's a technical player who can handle the ball really well and someone who works really hard. I think the fact that he's played in a number of positions at international level and has been trusted in those positions shows he gets the game tactically.
"Anis is someone we've known about since we first took the job here, really in that first window. We never really had the opportunity to do something until now and it has just coincided with his contract situation so the timing is really good for both of us."
Slimane was born in Denmark but plays his international football for Tunisia, whom he represented at last year's World Cup.
Sheffield United begin life back in the Premier League with a home game against Crystal Palace on August 12.
Barney Corkhill
