Sheffield United will be aiming to get over their play-off final defeat under new manager Ruben Selles.
The Blades recently parted ways with Chris Wilder for the second time after losing to Sunderland at Wembley Stadium for a spot in the Premier League, with the former Reading and Hull City boss taking on possibly his most important role to date.
Expectations will be high as the club seeks to return to the top division at the second attempt, as many teams have demonstrated in the past that it is feasible following an initial setback.
With the change of administration, numerous players are expected to enter and depart in order for Selles to establish his influence over the playing team, with Vini Souza likely to leave.
The Yorkshire club has reportedly agreed to a £13 million deal with Bundesliga club Wolfsburg for the transfer, earning a little profit on the £10 million they spent for him two years ago. With this news in mind, FLW’s Sheffield United fan commentator has shared his opinions on Souza’s upcoming departure.
Inconsistency and unavailability are two major causes for Vini Souza’s poor selling price
Speaking to Football League World, Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy (aka Blades Ramble) expressed displeasure at not receiving more money for Vini Souza, but admitted that inconsistent performances and times of unavailability contributed to the low fee.
Jimmy stated, “We would have preferred more for Vini because the player he can be is worth more than £13 million.”
“We never really got to see him at his best, especially not on a constant basis. He was quite poor in the Premier League, and if we had been offered our money back at that point, many of us would have snapped their hand off, so there would have been no question.
“He came down with us to the Championship and had a successful season. There’s no other way to look at it; he’s a very good player at this level, but it’s not just Vini’s lack of consistency at times; it’s his availability, and I believe he’s only been available for three-quarters of the season, which isn’t terrible, but when he’s one of your squad’s big hitters, he’s noticeably missed when he’s not playing; he’s a main actor, as Chris Wilder would say.
| Vini Souza – Sheffield United league goals and appearances (per Fbref.com) | ||||
| Season | Appearances (Starts) | Goals (Assists) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 36 (29) | 1 (0) | ||
| 2024-25 | 35 (32) | 0 (1) | ||
“You expect him to be consistently fit and firing on all cylinders, which I believe is fair. I believe that is why we have not gotten a higher price for him. He has not proven himself at the highest level.
“I believe Germany is a very good move for him.” He will face very tough teams in the Bundesliga. He wants Brazilian national team recognition, and he’s giving himself a chance because he wouldn’t get it if he stayed at Sheffield United, so I think it’s a good arrangement overall.”
The loss of Vini Souza is a setback to Sheffield United and Ruben Selles
Vini Souza was a key member of the team last season, establishing himself as a visible presence in midfield at Championship level.
His defensive stability and physicality were two extremely valuable attributes, and it will be frustrating for the club that they were unable to get more for a player of his caliber.
Hamstring issues hindered his past season, and the club struggled against Middlesbrough and Sunderland in his absence.
Sheffield United will have a returning Ollie Arblaster and Sydie Peck to pick from next season, but you believe reinvestment will be critical in that area to ensure the midfield department is well-stocked for a demanding 46-game season.
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