Sheffield United face Vini Souza exit fear - It could rest on one condition | OneFootball

Vini Souza could be on the move if Sheffield United end up spending a second season in the Championship

Sheffield United are facing the risk of losing midfielder Vini Souza this summer should their bid to gain promotion back to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs fall short, having been beaten to a top-two spot by both Leeds United and Burnley.

The Blades had been firmly in contention to achieve automatic promotion, only to be denied by a wretched run of three successive defeats to Oxford United, Millwall and Plymouth Argyle this month.

A 2-0 victory over Cardiff City on Good Friday was not enough as Leeds and Burnley also collected three points apiece, and Easter Monday’s 2-1 defeat at Turf Moor in the wake of the Whites’ 6-0 thrashing of Stoke City ultimately ensured a third-placed finish for Chris Wilder’s side.

Anything other than promotion would likely represent a failure for United, who were among the favourites to go straight back up and appeared capable of pipping one of either Leeds or Burnley to an automatic spot.

However, the play-offs now await and the outcome of that could be set to determine the futures of a number of players at Bramall Lane right now, including Souza’s.

Transfer claim dropped on Vini Souza's Sheffield United future

Souza has redeemed his career with the club following a difficult season in the Premier League and has been a shining light under Wilder this season.

It’s little surprise, then, that he could be on the move if his side fails to return to the top-flight at the first time of asking.

As per a report from UOL journalist Rafael Reis, the midfielder could “look for new opportunities” if Sheffield United are to spend another season in the Championship.

The Brazilian journalist made no mention of interested parties, although the likes of Palmeiras, Fenerbache, Fulham and Italian giants AC Milan have all previously been linked to Souza’s signature.

The 25-year-old is under contract in South Yorkshire until 2027, meaning the Blades would surely be looking to part with a significant fee.

Sheffield United may fear losing a number of players this summer amid Vini Souza claim

Sheffield United will naturally fear losing Souza, but he isn’t the only player who we could see moving on.

Star midfielder Gus Hamer, who was strongly linked with rivals Leeds last summer, will likely not be short of admirers if United stay in the Championship, while the likes of Michael Cooper, Anel Ahmedhodzic and even Tyrese Campbell have all impressed this season could too be subject to speculation in the coming months.

The Blades’ focus, for the time being, is going to be on finishing the season strong and gaining promotion through the play-offs, and that’s what it may take to keep some of the side’s star players at the club.