Who is the Sheffield United linked Braga midfielder? | OneFootball

Vini Souza’s departure to Wolfsburg earlier this month has left the Blades a little short in defensive midfield. Both figuratively and literally. Whilst, Ollie Arblaster and Sydie Peck are excellent footballers and fall within my Sheff United Way colleague Hal’s perfect height for a man category. A bit of aerial presence wouldn’t go amiss.

Therefore, the latest rumour out of Portugal might be news to the ears of those more vertically blessed. Or their appreciators. Portuguese outlet Record are reporting the Blades are looking at Djibril Soumare, 22, on loan from Braga. The six-foot-one Senegalese midfielder, an inch shorter would join on an initial loan. With the outlet reporting that if Sheffield United can gain promotion there would be an obligation to buy for €8.5 million.

So, as always, let’s find out more about another potential new Blade who has reportedly already travelled to Sheffield.

Youth Career

Soumare began his career with Senegalese club Sahel Atlantic FC. Coming through their youth academy, he initially left for Braga on loan. He spent the 2021-2022 season with the Braga U19s.

In June 2022, he permanently transferred to Braga. Since joining permanently, he made 27 appearances for the Braga U23s assisting twice.

Joining Up with Braga B and the First-team

In 2023-2024, he stepped up to Braga B, he made 27 appearances in the 3. Liga getting a goal and two assists.

The same season saw him make two appearances in the first-team. The first was a senior debut in the Taca de Portugal in a 2-0 win over Rebordosa on 19 October 2023. He came off the bench on the 75th minute replacing former Wolves midfielder Joao Moutinho.

His next and only other appearance for the senior side came in the Champions League. An 11 minute cameo in the UEFA Champions League qualifier against TSC Backa Topola. Although, by then, the tie was wrapped up with the score 7-1 to Braga on aggregate.

Loan to Nacional

Now, the foundations of his career have been laid. Here is where we learn the most about Soumare. Last season, he headed to Nacional to play 23 times in the Portuguese top flight.

On the goal contributions front he managed a goal and an assist. With FotMob giving him a 7.22 rating for his efforts.

Statistically

Defensively

Soumare was among the best defensive midfielders from the all important defensive point of view statistically.

Aerially, he won 68.5% of his aerial duels placing him in the 93rd percentile of Portuguese top flight defensive midfielders. As well as winning 63.3% of his duels (94th percentile) and making 141 recoveries (93rd percentile). Essentially, he was a statistical brick wall.

In Possession

He was also a handful once he’d won the ball. Soumare won 50 fouls whilst on the ball in the Portuguese top flight becoming one of the biggest nuisances in the division (95th percentile). This is partly explained by his 62.8% dribble success which leaves him high in the 81st percentile of defensive midfielders.

Passing

Where his stats begin to look less impressive is his passing. His on the surface strong passing accuracy of 80.7% leaves him in the low 34th percentile. Whilst, his 10 chances created while not an essential attribute for defensive midfielders is about average (48th percentile).

His saving grace for Selles’ vertical football is his 57% long ball accuracy which places him in the 60th percentile. Of course, with his impressive defensive stats and dribbling stats, Soumare has plenty of time to improve his passing stats as his career progresses.

Takeaways

Soumare’s impressive displays on loan at Nacional helped the club stave off the threat of relegation. Avoiding the playoffs by 7 points. With an ability to avoid the playoffs a welcome attribute for any player arriving at Bramall Lane.

Soumare’s similar physical profile to Souza height-wise and his strong statistical data make it easy to believe he’s a player on the new recruitment model’s radar. An additional weird coincidence is his current club Braga’s next game against Bulgarian side Levski Sofia in the Europa League qualifiers. A club primed for a bit of AI scouting from the Blades’ recruitment team.

Ultimately, Soumare is off the back of a strong first season in the Portuguese top flight for a side that were battling lower down the table. He didn’t feature in Braga’s latest friendly which may suggest they are readying to part with the midfielder. Whilst, from a Blades point of view an initial loan is perfect. If Soumare can step up and help deliver promotion the reported obligation fee will be well worth it come summer 2026.