Sheffield United are closing in on their next summer acquisition ahead of the new Championship season, having made progress in their pursuit of a top midfield target. The Blades are looking to strengthen their midfield following Vini Souza’s departure earlier this summer, with three other players in that position expected to miss the start of the new season.
Djibril Soumare of Braga was identified as United’s top target to replace Souza after he was sold to Wolfsburg, with an initial loan deal believed to have been agreed upon, with a clause that could make the Senegalese midfielder a permanent Blade if the club is promoted to the Premier League this season.
However, the transaction was delayed due to red tape in gaining the appropriate licenses for Soumare to work in this country, with manager Ruben Selles recently conceding that the process has gotten more convoluted for English teams since the UK’s exit from the European Union in 2020.
We understand that the procedure has now moved forward, with Soumare’s entrance in the country said to be near. It remains to be seen whether his contract is signed in time for him to make his Blades debut in this weekend’s last friendly, a behind-closed-doors game against Fulham, but Selles and his coaching team will try to get him up to speed as quickly as possible.
Sheffield United is closing in on the latest summer transfer, with top target’s UK arrival imminent
Braga Youth Product Soumare measures 6ft 1in tall and might provide a valuable presence in the Blades’ midfield following Souza’s departure. Still only 22 years old, he is seen as a player with the potential to progress in the future while also being capable of assisting United in the current season.
Soumare is a Senegalese U23 international who has won four caps after being called up in 2022 for a round of qualification matches for the 2023 U23 Africa Cup of Nations. After arriving in England, he will undergo medical exams, and a formal announcement is expected if all goes as planned.
Midfield became a priority for United as it was confirmed that Tom Davies and Jamie Shackleton, like Oliver Arblaster, will miss the opening of the Championship season next week at home to Bristol City.
Soumare was not the only option investigated, with the Blades also interested in Everton’s Tim Iroegbunam. It remains to be seen whether United’s impending acquisition of Soumare influences the transaction, or whether Selles pursues his interest in the former Aston Villa player.
United are also looking for defensive reinforcements ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline, as three centre-backs (Jack Robinson, Anel Ahmedhodzic, and Tyler Bindon) missed Wednesday’s friendly in Nice due to illness and injuries.
Any future business there may be contingent on outgoings, with Gustavo Hamer expected to be associated with a transfer away until either the deadline or his departure, whichever occurs first.
Ahmedhodzic’s absence from the group that flew to France was due to illness, but it has done little to quell rumors that he may play football away from South Yorkshire next season, especially given his current contract expires in a year.
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