Oldham Athletic have completed the signing of 19-year-old defender Zain Tahir, an English and Pakistani national, on a season-long loan from Sheffield United. The defender, who can operate as a centre-back or left-back, signed his first professional contract with the Yorkshire club in April 2025 and spent the final months of the previous campaign on loan at Scunthorpe United in the National League, where he made four appearances. Before the move was finalised, Tahir had already spent most of the pre-season with Micky Mellon's squad, featuring in warm-up games. Tahir stated that he was excited about the opportunity and could not wait to get started. Manager Micky Mellon said the club was pleased to bring in a young defender they had admired, noting that having Tahir with them during pre-season provided him with an opportunity to settle in and show his capabilities. Mellon added that the defender is athletic, composed, and has the desire to fully utilize the opportunity.