Sheffield United have made a ‘breakthrough’ in their pursuit of SC Braga midfielder Djibril Soumare, according to The Star.
Sheffield United are poised to snap up the 22-year-old ahead of the new 2025/26 season. SUFC are preparing for another year in the Championship.
Image courtesy of: JASON CAIRNDUFF/REUTERS.
Soumare, who is a former Senegal youth international, is under contract at SC Braga until 2028. He was loaned out to Madeira-based club Nacional last year to get some valuable experience under his belt.
In this latest update regarding his situation by The Star, the Blades are now ‘closing’ in on his addition after a delay. Ruben Selles was picked as their head coach last month after his sacking by Hull City.
He has recently shared this recruitment update: “Sometimes it’s not that easy because it became a little bit special to come and play in England after you went out of the European Union. So sometimes you need to get those permissions, visas and those things. That sometimes slows down the tempo that I want it but it’s just a matter of that, really. We’re talking about players we’re working on. Whether it’s (Djibril) Soumare or another one, the club will announce it in the proper time.”
Sheffield United close to Djibril Soumare transfer
Sheffield United will see Soumare as someone to boost their midfield ranks. SUFC have a vacancy to fill in his position after Vini Souza’s exit.
If he joined the Blades, he would add more competition and depth to their options in the middle of the park. He would give Selles something different to pick from.
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
The Dakar-born man has been on the books of SC Braga since joining them back in 2021 on an initial temporary deal that was later made permanent. He has since made two first-team appearances for the Portuguese club to date.
Djibril Soumare stats
What now for Sheffield United?
Sheffield United will hope to get Soumare’s transfer over the line as soon as possible. SUFC have delved into the market over recent times to bring in the likes of Tyler Bindon and Louie Barry on loan from Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa respectively, among others.
The Blades start the new campaign with a home clash against Bristol City next weekend. They beat the Robins in the semi-finals of the play-offs last term over two legs before their Wembley loss against Sunderland.
As well as Hull City, Selles has also managed the likes of Southampton and Reading in the past. He did an impressive job with the latter in League One before his switch to the MKM Stadium.