Leicester City defender Harry Souttar has expressed his relief at being “treated like a proper player again” after securing a summer move to Sheffield United.
The Australian international struggled to make an impact at Leicester, featuring just four times for the Foxes last season, but has now found regular playing time under Chris Wilder at Bramall Lane.
Currently away on international duty with Australia, Souttar admitted he is glad to be playing consistently once more after a frustrating period at the King Power Stadium.
“It’s just really great to be playing, to feel like a player again, and to get treated like a proper football player is really nice,” Souttar said.
“Obviously coming back to play (for the Socceroos) feeling really good and feeling fit, it helps massively on the pitch when you’re playing week in, week out.”
The 24-year-old, who cost Leicester £15m, is enjoying his time at Sheffield United, with the Blades tipped as strong contenders for promotion back to the Premier League. He praised the club’s environment and his new teammates for helping him settle in quickly.
“It’s been great. I’ve really enjoyed my first few weeks there,” he continued.
“I’m thankful that they’ve come in for me, and given me somewhere to show what I can do. It’s a great club, they’re good people, and even though it’s kind of a new playing group, it’s one that’s going really well, and hopefully we’re going from strength to strength. Every time we play together and train together, it’s just really enjoyable. Hopefully that continues this season.”
Souttar’s move came after Socceroos coach Graham Arnold urged the defender to resolve his club situation earlier this year. In March, Arnold said: “He has to fix it. This can’t go on forever … this next transfer window is going to be really crucial for him.”