Who is Sheffield United linked Joe Mendes? | OneFootball

The defence at Sheffield United is in need of a restructure. Recently, we’ve looked at the centre-backs linked with the club. A position in need of depth options, with one added following Tyler Bindon’s arrival yesterday.

Additionally, though, right-back also requires at least one addition. Femi Seriki has every right to make the position his own this season. But to perform at his best, he will need competition.

A new name has emerged to do just that. Joe Mendes, full name Josafat Mendes, a right-back from SC Braga and a Sweden international, has been linked by Anel Avdic. With Avdic’s report claiming the Blades have held talks over the player.

So, who is he, and what could he offer the Blades?

Academy Days

Mendes, 22, born in Stockholm on New Year’s Eve 2002 began his career with Vasby United. Although, they are now known as AFC Eskilstuna regardless of the name he joined the club’s academy in 2007.

In 2014, he departed for AIK where he stayed until 2020 before moving onto Hammarby IF.

During these early days he had made two appearances for the Sweden U17s in 2018.

A Tale of Two Hammarbys

Mendes began his 2021 season with Hammarby TFF in Ettan, Sweden’s third division. The right-back played 26 times getting four goals.

His performances saw him move to the parent club Hammarby IF in July 2021 where he played his first game in Europe. As he came on against Maribor during a Hammarby IF 3-1 win in the UEFA Conference League.

AIK 2.0

By December 2021, the Hammarby adventure was over. Mendes moved back to his academy club of AIK for an undisclosed fee. As of January 2022, a four-year contract began with the Swedish club.

His 2022 season saw Mendes flourish. He played 24 Allsvenskan games contributing one goal and one assist. As well as a first Europa Conference League goal scoring against Vorskla Poltava in qualifying.

He was statistically very good for AIK with a pass accuracy of 87.1% (94th percentile). Plus, tackles won percentage of 76.7% (86th percentile). SC Braga were clearly impressed as he moved to Portugal after just one full season.

Moving to Braga

Mendes moved to Braga in January 2023. His first half season with Braga saw him play eight times for Braga. With four league appearances and one further UEFA Conference League appearance.

2023-2024 was Mendes main season with SC Braga. He made 28 appearances in all competitions contributing two assists. Mendes made 17 appearances in the Liga Portugal starting 11 times. As well as seven more appearances in the Conference League and a Europa League qualifier.

Despite seemingly breaking through at Braga that season. Mendes moved on to FC Basel on loan.

A Swiss Switch

Mendes moved to Swiss League side FC Basel on 2 September 2024. He played 29 league matches contributing one goal and one assist. He and his teammates including former Blades’ striker Benie Traore won the league and the cup.

The league win will see Basel able to compete for Champions League qualification.

Statistically

Mendes had a very strong season statistically in the Swiss League last season.

Defensively

Mendes won 68.1% of his tackles and 54.3% of his duels. Plus, he completed 72 recoveries and 22 interceptions. He also helped in attack winning the ball back six times in the opposition’s final third.

In Possession

Mendes is arguably best in possession and when passing. His good defensive stats are his main areas to improve.

The right-backs’ 60.9% dribble success placed him in the 86th percentile for Swiss League right-backs. He also made 37 touches in the opposition box and won 23 fouls proving a tricky task for opposition defenders.

Passing

His pass accuracy last season was 87.5% placing him in the 100th percentile for Swiss League right-backs. An impressive stat showing his comfort and composure on the ball to find his teammates.

His 45.3% long ball accuracy (71st percentile) also places him high on the list for getting the ball forward. Displaying further his passing ability and the range of passes he can complete.

His 24 successful crosses also made him one of the best crossing right-backs in the league (86th percentile). He also created 22 chances for his FC Basel teammates.

Takeaways

Mendes is clearly a good, well-experienced player considering his still youthful age of 22. He has managed to perform well for two big European sides in Braga and Basel.

Therefore, he will give the right-back position at Bramall Lane and experience lacking with current starter Femi Seriki should he arrive at Bramall Lane.

The report from Anel Avdic suggested the Blades weren’t the only club who had held talks over a deal for the player. With Southampton, Birmingham City, Union Berlin, Samsunspor all said to have done the same.

With Birmingham City in particular linked the Blades need to act quickly if they want to get the player signed. As the Blues have proven to not be messing around when getting their targets in this window.