Sheffield United have announced the signing of Everton defender Mason Holgate on loan for the remainder of the season.
The former Barnsley youngster spent the first half of the campaign at Southampton, however he only featured five times in the Championship for the promotion chasers.
Despite being a regular under the leadership of Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park in the 2019-20 campaign, Holgate has fallen behind the likes of James Tarkowski and Jarrad Braithwaite in the pecking order on Merseyside.
Since joining Everton from boyhood club Barnsley in 2015, the centre-back has played 151 times for the Toffees, scoring five goals, including a strike in a Merseyside derby against Liverpool.
Holgate will now link up with fellow Yorkshireman Chris Wilder at Bramall Lane, and the Sheffield United manager is excited to have the 27-year-old on board.
Welcome to the Blades, Mason Holgate ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/wmeo9egOTY
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) February 1, 2024
"Mason's desire to come here and join our fight is huge for me," Wilder told Sheffield United's website after Holgate's arrival was sealed.
"He's got a point to prove, he's a local lad who knows what Sheffield United are all about, he has his finger on the pulse and knows what to expect here.
"He's got valuable Premier League experience and can play all across the back which gives us options. Like Ben Brereton Diaz and Ivo Grbic, we expect Mason to play a big part in the remainder of the season."
After spending the large majority of the past six months playing second fiddle to the likes of Kyle Walker-Peters and Taylor Harwood-Bellis at Southampton, Holgate is raring to get going in the Premier League.
"I'm delighted to be here and to finally get it over the line," said Holgate after putting pen to paper on a loan deal at Bramall Lane.
© Reuters
"I've been waiting all month to get it sorted, obviously involving three teams, it is a little complicated but now we've got it to this point, I cannot wait to get going.
"I feel good, sharp and ready to go. This is the best league in the world that's why everyone aspires to play in it, I've played in it a bit now and hopefully I can come in and help the boys.
"Chris (Wilder) has faith and believes in me, he has told me what he thinks I can add to the team and I think I can do that so it makes sense to make this happen."
Holgate will provide the Blades with another option in defence, with the Everton loanee able to play in a number of positions across the backline.
The Blades host top-four chasing Aston Villa at Bramall Lane in the Premier League on Saturday evening, with Holgate in line to make his debut.
Carter White
