Journalist Claims Midfielder is Set to Sign For Sheffield United as Blades Move For Premier League Forward | OneFootball

Sheffield United are making bold moves in the January transfer window as they look to strengthen their squad under the new ownership.

The Blades have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Southampton to sign forward Ben Brereton Diaz on loan. The deal includes an option to make the move permanent in the summer, as per Ben Jacobs. The club is optimistic about finalising the transfer for Brereton Diaz this week, according to The Star.

The Chilean international had an excellent impact during his short loan spell for the Blades last season, scoring six goals and providing an assist in 14 appearances, and there’s great expectation that he can instantly bring additional firepower and creativity to their attack once more, only this time in the Championship.

WALSALL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Hamza Choudhury of Leicester City (left) is put under pressure by Ronan Maher of Walsall during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Walsall and Leicester City at Poundland Bescot Stadium on September 24, 2024 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Hamza Choudhury to Sign For Sheffield United

Following the anticipated signing of Brereton Diaz, Sheffield United will shift their attention to strengthening their midfield. Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury is reportedly on the verge of signing for United, per Football Insider. The Blades had considered Liverpool’s Tyler Morton, but concerns over his availability have prompted them to prioritise Choudhury.

Whilst Choudhury may be smaller in size than Vinicius Souza, Choudhury is a natural ball winner, something the Blades lack when Souza is not in the team. The dynamic midfielder could offer much-needed energy and defensive solidity to the team. And, he is composed enough on the ball to play through the thirds.

Of course, Chris Wilder has previously managed the Bangladeshi midfielder for a short time during his tenure at Watford in the 2022/23 season. In that campaign, Choudhury was outstanding defensively. Compared to the rest of the Championship midfielders that season he ranked in the 97th percentile for tackles, 99th percentile for interceptions, 89th percentile for shots blocked, and 98th percentile for aerial duel success rate, per FBref.

Sheffield United are also monitoring Liverpool forward Lewis Koumas, who is currently impressing during his loan spell at Stoke City, per the Mail.

The 19-year-old’s performances have drawn interest from the Blades and West Bromwich Albion. Sheffield United have been long-time admirers of the promising youngster and could explore a potential move in the near future. Whilst playing as an advanced playmaker for Stoke City he has registered four goals and chipped in with an assist.

My Thoughts

United are in desperate need of reinforcements across the pitch. A natural centre-back is needed. Cover for Vinicius Souza is needed. A natural wide forward is needed. And, perhaps another attacking midfielder is needed, just in case an injury occurs to either Gustavo Hamer or Callum O’Hare.

I personally like the possibility of Hamza Choudhury signing. He would do all the dirty work and would allow his midfield partners to be freed up and be more expansive. Plus, it’s clear that we have missed that enforcer in midfield whilst Souza has been dealing with his tight hamstring.

Ben Brereton Diaz is an obvious signing to make. Not only did he make an impact in United’s poor Premier League campaign, he worked extremely hard off the ball thus showing a good attitude. One can only think his explosivity off the left with the likes of Hamer, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi and Tyrese Campbell would be too much pace and technical ability for any defence to handle at this level.