How likely Sheffield United are of re-signing Vini Souza | OneFootball

Sheffield United are not expected to be in a position to re-sign Vini Souza this summer following Wolfsburg's relegation from the Bundesliga.

Sheffield United are set for a very busy summer as Chris Wilder looks to reshape the squad ahead of what he hopes will be a promotion push.

The boyhood fan returned to Bramall Lane for a third time last year, and whilst he managed to steer the club clear of any relegation trouble, a frustrating 2026 meant Wilder has promised to oversee major changes this summer.

The Blades are unlikely to have a budget that is comparable to the bigger hitters in the league, but they have several players who could fetch decent fees to give Wilder more room to work with.

Vini Souza unlikely to make Sheffield United return this summer

Every fan will have their own opinion on where Sheffield United should prioritise this summer, but it seems apparent that a new midfielder will be on the radar of the Yorkshire club.

Kalvin Phillips has returned to Man City after his loan spell, which was impacted by injury, and Jairo Riedewald was released, whilst there are doubts about the future of Sydie Peck.

When it comes to targeting a new midfielder, the Blades need someone who can bring power and strength to the middle of the park, with the club having failed to suitably replace Vini Souza after his departure last year.

The Brazilian was a standout performer for Sheffield United as they reached the play-offs, but defeat to Sunderland meant he was always going to move on, and Wolfsburg won the race for his signature, after agreeing a deal of €15m.

However, his time in Germany hasn’t gone to plan, as Wolfsburg were surprisingly relegated to the second tier after losing a play-off to Paderborn.

So, another transfer seems likely, and it naturally got some Sheffield United fans calling for Souza to return to the club to solve their midfield problems.

But, the Sheffield Star have played down the chances of that happening, as they state he is seen as an ‘unrealistic’ option due to the fee that will be involved, and, crucially, the wage demands of the player.

Sheffield United must try and find the next Vini Souza this summer

You can understand why Sheffield United fans were hoping to see the club move for Souza, as he is a quality player by Championship standards, and his profile is exactly what they’re lacking right now.

Unfortunately for the Blades, this update will not come as a shock. Even if Souza was willing to return to England in the second tier, he was always going to be out of their price range.

Wolfsburg will want as close to the €15m they paid, and Souza will be on a big salary, so it’s not something the Blades can do right now as they prepare for the financial reality of another year outside the top flight.

Wilder and the recruitment team will know the budget they have available, and the challenge is to find the next Souza, and to take a chance on players who aren’t yet the finished article.

That will be a tough task, but the manager has done it in the past, so Wilder will feel he can build another squad this summer that is capable of reaching the Premier League.