Solutions to the Souttar Problem | OneFootball

Sheffield United have endured a tough run of festive fixtures against promotion-chasing sides Burnley, West Bromwich Albion, and Sunderland. Therefore, it isn’t surprising that it has seen the worst form the Blades have been in since the season began.

The Blades have been linked with plenty of potential attacking signings so far. But, aside from the lack of goals scored. United have been uncharacteristically poor at the back following the unfortunate season-ending injury suffered by Harry Souttar on Boxing Day.

So, here are my suggestions for who could help out Anel Ahmedhodzic and Jack Robinson.

Harry Souttar’s Influence

Replacing Harry Souttar is no mean feat. I certainly don’t envy Sheffield United’s recruitment team on finding that defender.

Souttar has been immense. In his 21 games for the Blades, the Australian international, played a part in 14 of the Blades’ clean sheets this season. Creating a powerful partnership with Anel Ahmedhodzic and had done well alongside Jack Robinson.

He was also a major physical presence at the back, standing at 6 ft 7 in. Souttar won 76 aerial duels and 106 of his duels whilst a Blades defender. He was the centre-back the club had been crying out for after losing our infamous back three to injuries.

Eiran Cashin

(Photo by Cameron Howard/Getty Images)

Eiran Cashin has played for Derby County for four seasons since graduating from their academy in 2021. The 23-year-old has played 20 times this season even bagging himself a goal.

One of the standout stats for Cashin is his ability to pick out a pass. Cashin has the most accurate long balls per 90 in the Championship at 5.5 per game according to FutMob. Former Blades players like Oliver Norwood are prime examples of how useful it can be to have an accurate long-range passer in the Blades’ team. Accurate long balls are also a key part of a current Blades defenders’ job. With Robinson and Souttar, the two leaders of accurate long balls per 90 in the current Blades squad at 3.6 and 3.4 per 90 respectively.

Defensively and possibly most importantly, Cashin is also high in the Championship’s stats tables. Cashin has made the third most interceptions per 90 in the Championship with 2.2. Losing out to only Portsmouth’s Terry Devlin and Blades’ left-back Sam McCallum.

Whilst not his strongest stats, Cashin ranks among the Championship’s top 50 for successful tackles per 90. Plus, his blocks per 90 is equal to Harry Souttar’s.

Furthermore, whilst he isn’t 6 foot 7, Cashin is 6 ft giving him a decent physical presence. It is also important to mention his Derby County team are currently 17th. Whilst, a good position for the newly promoted side, it would be interesting to see what Cashin could do in a side more likely to dominate games.

Plus, Cashin was linked with the Blades in January 2024 and if he was good enough for us then for the Premier League. We should be looking at him this season.

Japhet Tanganga

(Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images)

Tanganga’s name has been doing the rounds on Blades’ Twitter (formerly known as X). The 25-year-old has made quite the name for himself at Millwall after finally leaving Tottenham Hotspur.

Now in his second season at the Den. Tanganga has played 39 times for the Lions so far and scored two goals last season and has two so far this season.

Tanganga could also be useful in a fairly light Blades squad. Similarly, to Alfie Gilchrist, Tanganga has shown the versatility to play at centre-back and right-back during his career so far.

Defensively, Tanganga has made 1.1 successful tackles per 90 ranking him 143rd among all players in the Championship. Of his tackles attempted, he has won 65.7% of them. For interceptions per 90, Tanganga sits in 217th with 0.6. Where Tanganga ranks closest to the previously mentioned Cashin, is in clearances per 90. The Millwall defender has made 4.7 clearances per 90 just slightly less than Cashin’s 4.8 per 90.

From a passing perspective, he currently ranks 86th in the Championship’s accurate long balls per 90 with 2.3. 208th in accurate passes per 90 in the league although his successful passes percentage is a solid 79.2% across the season.

Where Tanganga betters Cashin is his Premier League experience having played 27 times for Spurs. Not to mention, a couple of appearances in the UCL which could be useful, maybe, if the takeover is at its most effective. Tanganga is also equal in height to Cashin at 6 ft.

Terry Yegbe

(Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)

The only player on the list that hasn’t played in the English leagues. Yegbe was linked with a move to the Blades by fotbolldirekt in November. Yegbe, 23, currently plays for Europe League and Allsvenskan side Elfsborg.

Last season in 2024, Yegbe started 22 of his club’s 30 league matches and played 37 matches in all competitions. 14 of which came in the Europa League. He was also part of the defense that kept a clean sheet against Roma.

Interestingly, he has played as part of a back three for Elfsborg. A defensive shape, Wilder has ditched for the most part of the season but has returned to against Leeds. It is possible that any defenders that sign could need to be happy enough to play as a two or a three.

Defensively, he won 87.5% of his tackles and 62.7% of his aerial duels last season. He also completed an impressive 106 recoveries. On the ball, Yegbe is also very good he has made 1,004 passes and successfully completed all 12 of his dribbles.

Attacking wise, he has scored 3 goals and got an assist. From a personal xG of 2.25 and from taking just 5 shots on target.

Height wise, Yegbe is approximately 6 ft 4 in making him the closest to Souttar on the list. Additionally, the last time the Blades signed a defender from the Swedish league we got Anel Ahmedhodzic from Malmo. Just something to thing about.

Daniel Amartey

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Whilst, he hasn’t been rumoured with the Blades, Daniel Amartey is on the list because Chris Wilder loves a freebie. Plus, prior to leaving Besiktas, it had been reported by the Sun and other outlets that Amartey was eyeing a move back to England or Germany over a move to Saudi Arabia.

Amartey’s valuable experience as a player is clear. A Premier League Champion with Leicester City, Amartey spent seven seasons at the King Power. Amartey played 145 times for the Foxes and played 27 games for Besiktas last season.

He is also a great player to have for a light on depth squad. Amartey made his name as a defensive midfielder but has recently been tried at centre-back and right-back. He could therefore also act as great cover for Souza and Arblaster.

He is of course, brilliant on the ball having previously been a midfielder. Amartey had a pass accuracy of 90.5% and a long ball accuracy of 62.5% in his season with Besiktas in 23/24.

He is the second tallest on the list at 6 ft 1 and as a free agent, if the Blades could tempt him in, Amartey could be more than worth a go.

Takeaways

I would personally be happy with any of the defenders on this list joining Sheffield United. Whilst, they may have big shoes to fill with Souttar, we clearly need reinforcements.

My first pick would be Eiran Cashin, he has a lot of EFL experience and Championship experience generally. He is good defensively and very good on the ball at this level and the Blades have clearly shown interest before. In an ideal window I would also be persuaded to give Yegbe a try for the right price. Clearly an upcoming young defender who has had a great first season in Sweden and European competition. I think the Blades could regret not trying before he gets on a top European sides radar.

Out of the other two more versatile options, I would probably take Amartey, he is more experienced, more versatile and most importantly free compared to Tanganga. I think he could be a great addition alongside either Cashin or Yegbe. But for who will actually replace Souttar, we will just have to wait and see.