Sheffield United Closing in on Vinicius Souza Replacement as Blades Await Announcement of Talented Attacker | OneFootball

Sheffield United are edging closer to securing a major addition with Braga midfielder Djibril Soumare set to join the Blades on an initial loan deal.

The 22-year-old Senegalese midfielder has already travelled to Sheffield as he prepares to finalise the move, which will see United pay a £1 million loan fee, as per a report from Record.

Sheffield United Close to Signing Vinicius Souza’s Replacement Amid More Central Midfield Links

The deal includes an obligation to buy for approximately £7.3 million if the Blades secure promotion back to the Premier League this season. Soumare, known for his ball-winning ability and combative style at the base of midfield, is basically the Vinicius Souza replacement in midfield after the Brazilian penned his move to VfL Wolfsburg just a few weeks ago.

United’s midfield has looked short in pre-season thus far, with only the likes of natural central midfield players Gustavo Hamer and Sydie Peck playing this role from the senior squad. Callum O’Hare, who is more naturally an attacking midfielder, has been deployed on the right of a midfield three, whilst youngster Louie Marsh, who is more of a striker or a number ten, has also been forced into playing in the midfield three. Owen Hampson and Billy Blacker are regular central midfield players, though both are youngsters and relatively unproven in English professional football.

Of course, Soumare doesn’t just add much-needed depth, he adds that bite and physicality to it, as well as great composure on the ball. The 22-year-old featured 23 times in the Portuguese top-flight last campaign, adding a goal and an assist to his name during his loan spell at Nacional.

One thing to note about the Senegalese midfielder is his dribbling ability for a defensive midfielder, so he can progress the ball via this avenue, and even be useful on counterattacks.

As mentioned previously, midfield has been identified as a priority area for reinforcement due to the lack of depth. And this was before both Tom Davies and Jamie Shackleton were announced as injured for five or six weeks by Ruben Selles. So with options needed to suit the new pressing system, United are believed to have considered players with previous links to the Spanish manager, per The Star.

One such option that comes to mind is Steven Alzate, currently at Hull City. The Colombian international, who worked under Selles with the Tigers last term fits the technical and tactical profile United are looking to add in the centre of the park. He is similar in physical profile to the aforementioned Djibril Soumare, and he can play as a number six or in a box-to-box role.

Could the Blades Recruit Promising 19-year-old From Malmo?

Meanwhile, according to reports from Alan Nixon, the club sent their top scout to Sweden last week to watch Daniel Gudjohnsen, a highly rated 19-year-old striker currently at Malmo. The son of former Chelsea and Barcelona forward Eidur Gudjohnsen, Daniel could be an interesting project to take on; he’s already featured 11 times this campaign where he’s netted once and assisted once.

Sheffield United Supporters Could See Louie Barry in Action This Week; Blades Awaiting Announcement

STOCKPORT, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 16: Louie Barry of Stockport County looks on during the Sky Bet League One match between Stockport County FC and Wrexham AFC at Edgeley Park on November 16, 2024 in Stockport, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)

Let’s not forget that the Blades are set to announce Louie Barry’s arrival on a season-long loan from Aston Villa within the next few days, and with Sheffield United facing Burton Albion on Tuesday evening, we could potentially see the first glimpse of what he can offer as a goalscoring versatile left-winger.