Update on Sheffield United Midfielder’s Apparent Exit, Blades Should Bring in Versatile Duo if Souza Leaves | OneFootball

Sheffield United midfielder Vinicius Souza could be on his way out of Bramall Lane this summer, with Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg showing strong interest in the 26-year-old Brazilian.

Over the weekend, reports from Brazil, specifically from SBT Rio journalist Vene Casagrande, indicated that the former Espanyol and Lommel man is set to travel to Germany for a medical ahead of a potential €13-15 million move.

German outlet AZ/WAZ have since picked up the story. While they confirm Wolfsburg’s interest and the potential value of the deal, they are suggesting a medical is not yet scheduled. However, they also note that a quick agreement between Wolfsburg and Ruben Selles’ side could materialise soon, allowing Souza to begin pre-season training with the German club.

Should Souza complete his move to the Bundesliga, Sheffield United will need to address a gap in their midfield as without him the Blades lack a natural ball-winning midfielder. But, there are two standout selections that will be highly realistic targets over the next few weeks.

Sheffield United Should Sign Versatile Defensive Midfield Duo to Replace Vinicius Souza

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – JANUARY 24: Steven Alzate of Hull City is challenged by Ben Brereton Diaz (R) and Andre Brooks (L) during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Hull City AFC at on January 24, 2025 in Sheffield, England.

One of those is fully-capped Colombian international Steven Alzate. The 26-year-old may not boast the most eye-catching numbers in terms of goals or assists ,just one assist in 28 Championship appearances for Hull City last season, but his overall contribution tells a different story.

His 84% pass accuracy and exceptional dribbling under pressure (ranking in the 98th percentile for take-on success rate per 90) make him an ideal ‘dual-threat deep-lying playmaker’. He offers the ability to bypass the opposition’s press either with a pass or by carrying the ball himself.

While not a creative force in the final third (0.04 expected assists per 90 puts him in the bottom quartile for Championship midfielders), Alzate’s defensive qualities more than compensate. He ranked in the 95th percentile for tackles per 90 and 98th percentile for dribblers tackled success rate, highlighting his tenacity and reading of the game.

One stat that stands out: despite underwhelming in general shot creation (1.95 shot-creating actions per 90 = 32nd percentile), he ranked in the 91st percentile for shot-creating actions stemming from a defensive intervention.

Blades Should Bring Choudhury Back to Bramall Lane

DERBY, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 01: Harry Clarke of Sheffield United celebrates with teammates Anel Ahmedhodzic and Hamza Choudhury following the Sky Bet Championship match between Derby County FC and Sheffield United FC at Pride Park on February 01, 2025 in Derby, England. (Photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images)

The other move could be to bring Hamza Choudhury back on a permanent basis after his short loan spell at the back end of last season. The Leicester City midfielder impressed in patches last season. However, some of his best performances arguably came at right-back, where his work rate and aggression stood out.

If Sheffield United do move for Choudhury on a permanent deal, they will need to decide whether to utilise him primarily as a central midfielder or continue exploring his potential as a defensive right-back solution. Personally, I believe the Blades should be signing the Bangladeshi international if it’s a reasonable fee, given the fact that the Blades are thin at both positions.

This is just my opinion: bring in both Alzate and Choudhury and you have two defensive-minded versatile players, with an appetite for the game, who both know the league well, and you should still have some money left over from the Vinicius Souza sale.