Sheffield United are facing up to the prospect of losing star man Vinicius Souza as they prepare for a second straight season in the Championship, as reported by EFL Analysis.
The Blades suffered a heartbreaking stoppage-time defeat to Sunderland on Saturday.
Midfield Monster Likely To Have Host Of Suitors
Following the Wembley defeat, United are facing a fight to keep hold of the Brazilian midfielder after a stellar season.
EFL Analysis chief football correspondent Graeme Bailey spoke of United’s chances of keeping Souza. Bailey also discussed the potential departures of fellow Brazilian Gustavo Hamer and Bosnian defender Anel Ahmedhodzic.
“The other is Vinicius Souza – a huge talent, quite literally – the giant Brazilian has been awesome for United but there are a host of clubs looking at him.”
After Premier League relegation last season, Souza was linked with moves to Fulham and Italian giants AC Milan but the Blades kept hold of their man. Failure to secure a return to the top flight is now likely to spark yet more interest in his signature.
Why Is Souza A Wanted Man?
The loss of Vinicius Souza would be a huge blow to Sheffield United’s chances of gaining promotion from the Championship next season.
The Brazilian is not a goal-scoring midfielder but brings so much to his team in other areas. In possession, he is neat and keeps hold of the ball, with a pass success rate approaching 90%.
Souza has won a huge number of tackles and duels as well as making over 150 recoveries and making 35 interceptions. He is a defensive monster for the Blades and has done it all with great discipline, picking up just eight yellow cards this season.
What Next For The Blades?
The dust has barely settled on the playoff defeat and manager Chris Wilder has already had to leap to the defence of Kieffer Moore and now faces the very likely possibility of losing one of his key performers.
Souza’s departure would fill the Bramall Lane coffers and provide the manager with more money to attack the transfer market with, but would the gap left by Souza be too big to fill?
Writer’s View
This is a huge blow for the Blades, particularly as the vultures have begun to circle so soon after the weekend’s crushing disappointment.
However, it surely can’t come as a shock and United supporters will be hopeful of contingency plans should players like Souza be lured away from the Lane.
