Sheffield United backed to sign 22-year-old but warning sent involving Peck & Arblaster | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit has given his verdict on the impending arrival of Djibril Soumaré

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sheffield United are closing in on the signing of midfielder Djibril Soumaré from Braga.

According to Portuguese outlet Record, the player is set to join on loan with an obligation to buy the player at the end of the campaign.

Ruben Selles is looking to bolster his midfield options, especially with Vini Souza having departed the club earlier in the summer.

The 22-year-old featured 23 times for Nacional in the league last season while on loan from Braga, contributing one goal and one assist as the team finished 14th in the table.

Djibril Soumaré transfer verdict

When asked about the impending arrival of Soumaré, FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy, from Blades Ramble, claimed that the Senegal international will bring defensive solidity to their midfield options.

However, he expects competition for minutes in Selles’ side to be strong, with players like Sydie Peck and a returning Ollie Arblaster to choose from.

“We know a little bit about Djibril Soumaré because we’ve heard the rumours, so I’ve done a bit of research and we’ve spoken about him on the Blades Ramble,” Jimmy told Football League World.

“But, is he a replacement for Vini Souza? I don’t think so, particularly.

“What I think he will be is asked to do a similar job to what Souza did, and that is be the ball-winner in the middle of the park.

“So if he can nab the ball off somebody and give it to Gus Hamer, or give it to Louie Barry or give it to someone who can do a bit of magic, Callum O’Hare, then that is his job.

“Do the unpretty things well, keep it neat and tidy, keep it simple, that’s what we need in the middle.

“The one thing I will say is we already have a really strong central-midfield with Sydie Peck there, and Ollie Arblaster coming back from injury.

“So the competition will be fierce.

“They obviously feel that there’s something to this lad because we’re paying just over €1 million (£870,000) loan fee, allegedly, and then the commitment to purchase him for up to €10 (£8.6) million is a big one.

“Again, trust the process, trust the club and we’ll see.

“But from everything we’ve seen, looks a player, so low risk, get him in.

“Let’s have a look at him and see what he can do.”

Sheffield United will get their season underway on 9 August with a home clash against Bristol City.

Sheffield United need a defensive option in midfield

Losing Souza was a blow for Sheffield United given how impressive he’d been for the team last season, and his exit is a consequence of failing to get promotion.

His departure means that reinforcements are needed in midfield, and bringing in someone more defensively-minded like Soumaré makes sense given the attacking options they already have.

The fee for Soumaré to bring him on loan is also quite reasonable, and he will have one season to prove he is worth the cost of the obligation to buy him.

While the midfielder’s passing figures don’t particularly stand out, having someone carry the defensive load in midfield could help bring out the best in others like Peck and Arblaster at Bramall Lane.