Three possible Souza replacements for Sheffield United | OneFootball

The best-case scenario this summer would have been to keep the current squad and add further depth and strength. Unfortunately, Vene Casagrande’s report about Vinicius Souza heading to Wolfsburg is a sign that this window will be complicated. A period of goodbyes before hellos.

If Souza completes his move to the Bundesliga, the right hello to replace him is essential. As one of the Blades’ key men last season, replacing him is no mean feat.

Here are three players that the Blades should look at to soften the blow of losing Vini Souza.

Joe Rothwell

(Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

Firstly, a Championship suggestion Leeds United loanee from last season, Joe Rothwell.

Rothwell, whose parent club is Bournemouth, has managed consecutive Championship promotions with Southampton and Leeds. In some ways, he could be the Ollie Norwood of 2025/2026.

The 30-year-old midfielder, four years older than Souza, would provide great experience to a young Blades squad. A squad that with the current recruitment strategy could be getting even younger this summer.

Rothwell made 36 Championship appearances for Leeds last season compared to Souza’s 38 for the Blades. He contributed four assists for Leeds compared to Souza’s one for the Blades.

Statistical comparisons to Souza

The data per 90 (from Opta) comparison between Souza is interesting. As defensive midfielders playing at the Championship’s summit, the pair have differing strengths and weaknesses.

Defensively

Souza edges the defensive stats per 90. With an aerial duel success percentage of 62% compared to Rothwell’s 59%. A height comparison of the pair sees six foot two Souza just an inch taller than six foot one Rothwell.

Souza also completed almost four times as many clearances as Rothwell. With 2.3 compared to Rothwell’s 0.6 per 90. He also completed more ball recoveries (4.9) compared to the Leeds midfielder.

Rothwell takes the crown defensively on ground duels won percentage. With his 60% compared to Souza’s 58%.

Whilst, the highlight defensive stats show Souza to be more effective. The narrow margins show Rothwell could replace his role within the Blades’ team.

In Possession

The pair are very similar on the ball. Per 90 Rothwell was tackled 0.7 times per 90 compared to Souza’s 1.4, half as many times.

Although, Souza had a dribble success of 75.7% compared to Souza’s 72%. Whereas, Rothwell made more touches per 90 at 81.7 compared to Souza’s 65.2. This suggests that Rothwell may take too many touches leading to him losing the ball more times. Whilst Souza is quicker to move the ball on and not lose possession.

Passing

The passing stats are where Rothwell excels compared to Souza. In basically every measured passing stat Rothwell betters Souza.

One of the highlight stats are his open play passes completed per 90. With Rothwell making 58 compared to Souza’s 41.6 almost a third more across a match.

Importantly for a Blades’ side under Sellés where getting the ball forward quickly and with attacking intent. Rothwell far exceeds Souza statistically as a deep playmaker. He created 2.5 chances per 90 compared to Souza’s 0.7.

As well as having a better pass accuracy (91.1%) and long ball accuracy (70.48%). In comparison to Souza whose pass accuracy of 87% is close but his long ball accuracy of 50.8% is far lower.

Also interestingly, Rothwell attempted 7.1 crosses per 90 successfully landing 2.4. In comparison to Souza’s 0.2 and successful 0.1. This shows that Rothwell is willing to join the attacks as well as do the defensive work.

Ultimately, across the stats Souza narrowly edges the defensive work. Whilst Rothwell would offer slightly less defensively but a lot more going forward.

Tochi Chukwuani

(Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images)

This suggestion is a bit more out of left field. But could align closer with United’s current ambition of young players with high ceilings.

Chukwuani, 22, is a defensive midfielder who plays for Sturm Graz in Austria. Plus, this summer he has represented Denmark at the U21s Euros.

He made 27 appearances and started 12 games as Sturm Graz won the Superliga. With a contribution of three goals and assist from midfield.

He plays as a central midfielder or a defensive midfielder but can also play at centre-back. With versatility always a valued quality at Bramall Lane.

The player has also previously sparked interest from Wolves and Hoffenheim according to Florian Plettenburg.

In addition to his league form Chukwuani started and played seven times in the Champions League last season.

Statistically

Defensively, he performed well. He managed an aerial duels won percentage of 66.7% putting him in the 77th percentile of Champions League midfielders. He also completed 42 recoveries placing him in the 80th percentile and showcasing his work rate. Plus, his willingness to win the ball back.

He also had a decent pass accuracy in the UCL of 88.8%. Although, his long ball accuracy rate of 22.2% shows an area where he could improve and hopefully will as he develops.

In terms of physical and aerial presence, he is six foot two like Souza.

Overall

Chukwuani fits the current owners model of statistically strong young players. His data is good and on top of that he has experience playing at the highest level in the Champions League.

The interest from Wolves and Hoffenheim mean that getting a deal for a prospect like Chukwuani could show the board’s ambition. Plus, how far they are willing to invest in the youth and data model.

Imran Louza

(Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Back to the Championship and over to Watford. The Hornets’ midfielder Imran Louza has been reported to be wanting out of Vicarage Road according to The Sun.

Louza, 26, was named as the club’s Player of the Year last season and has international pedigree with Morocco.

Louza managed two goals and five assists for a mid-table Watford side. With his goal contributions showcasing his ability outside of just being a defensive midfielder.

Statistics compared to Souza

The comparison is based on stats per 90. With Souza playing 38 championship games last season and Louza playing 33.

Defensively

It’s hard to find a better midfielder defensively in the Championship than Vinicius Souza. Especially, when you look at statistics.

His aerial presence is where he stands out over Louza. With Souza winning 62% of his aerial duels to Louza’s 54%. This may be partly due to Souza’s four inch height advantage over five foot ten Louza.

Souza won more ground duels as well (5.6 per 90) bettering Louza’s 4.1 won per 90.

However, Louza does best Souza in terms of ball recovery with 6.2 recoveries per 90 compared to 4.9.

Passing

Louza makes up for his lesser defensive stats in his passing ability. He completed 57.7 open-play passes per 90 compared to Souza’s 41.6. Leading to Louza’s 1.7% better pass accuracy (89.3%).

Louza also completed double the amount of long ball passes with 4.2 per 90 compared to Souza’s 1.9.

He also created twice as many chances with 1.6 per 90.

In possession

Imran Louza made 88.6 touches per 90. Over 20 more touches than Souza per 90.

But Souza has a better dribble success at 75.7% compared to Louza’s 57.5%.

Ultimately, with all of the stats it’s worth remembering that Louza played in a mid-table side whilst Souza played in a side pushing for promotion. Therefore, Louza would likely have more times where a recovery is necessary. But likewise Souza may complete more dribbles. As playing in a side with more of the ball, the amount of passes available for Souza to successfully complete his dribbles are higher.

Takeaways

Ultimately, the best thing would be to keep Souza, although all signs are pointing at an exit for him.

The three options in this list all have their pros as replacements.

With Rothwell the most ready to fill in for Souza and someone with the important promotion experience.

A player like Chukwuani fits best with the new data model and focus on younger players. As well as adding top level experience.

Whilst, Louza is reportedly actively trying to leave Watford. As such the Blades should at the very least have him on the radar. Plus, he also makes life easier for the kitman next season.

Of course, there are honourable mentions. The Blades-linked but potentially Birmingham-bound Tommy Doyle. Or last season’s loanee Hamza Choudhury.

Whilst both would be great replacements on paper. Choudhury proved to be an effective right-back option. Meanwhile, Doyle’s £10 million option to buy fee may prove to hard to meet.

But we’ll have to see how the summer unfolds. Whilst, whoever the replacement is they have big shoes to fill.