Vini Souza is close to leaving Sheffield United this summer.
According to German outlet AZ/WAZ, Wolfsburg is sure that the midfielder will be the next addition to their first-team roster.
Souza was a key member of Chris Wilder’s club last season, which nearly missed out on promotion to the Premier League.
The Brazilian appeared 35 times in the Championship, and the Blades lost the play-off final against Sunderland after finishing third in the regular season.
Vini Souza’s Sheffield United future
According to reports, Sheffield United and Wolfsburg have failed to reach an agreement on a contract for Souza.
However, the Bundesliga side is thought to be certain that Souza will leave Ruben Selles’ team.
A swift agreement is expected soon, with reports ranging from €13 to 15 (£11.1 to 12.8) million.
Selles is presently preparing the Sheffield United squad for the new season following his hiring as Wilder’s replacement earlier this summer.
The Spaniard will be trying to retain crucial players such as Souza for a promotion push next season.
However, it is becoming more likely that he will leave, as he seeks a promotion at this point in his career.
Vini Souza’s Value to Sheffield United
Souza joined with Sheffield United in the summer of 2023, following their elevation to the Premier League.
He has made 71 league appearances for the Yorkshire club, which was relegated from the top level before finishing third in the Championship last season.
| 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) | ||
The 26-year-old was an important part of the Blades’ promotion drive, as the team scored 90 points but missed out on a top two berth by 10 points.
Sheffield United’s season will begin on August 8 with a home game against Bristol City in the play-off semi-finals at 5.30pm.
Losing Souza is a setback to Selles
Souza was an important member of the team last season, establishing himself as a star performer following a disappointing first year at Bramall Lane.
The midfielder’s defensive steadiness was a huge asset to the squad, and it will now be up to the remaining midfield alternatives to step up in his absence.
Sheffield United will have a returning Ollie Arblaster and Sydie Peck to choose from next season, and the two might form a partnership with Souza on his way out.
However, the club may still feel compelled to reinvest any compensation received for Souza in finding an acceptable replacement in order to have depth in that area of the team the following season.
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