Sheffield United supporters may change their Vini Souza tune amid transfer exit talk: View | OneFootball

Vini Souza proved against Preston that he could be a key performer for Sheffield United this season.

Highlights

It has been a hectic summer for Sheffield United following their relegation from the Premier League last season, and you could forgive the fans if they were a bit underwhelmed going into the opener at Preston last week.

Firstly, they were starting the season with a two-point deduction, and the takeover that they crave still hasn’t gone through.

That obviously impacted the transfer business, and after a host of Bramall Lane favourites moved on, including Wes Foderingham, George Baldock, John Egan and Oliver Norwood, the squad was looking light.

Yet, slowly but surely, things started to improve in pre-season, as a few shrewd signings were made, some quality youngsters emerged, and the 2-0 win at Deepdale was a reminder that there is still a lot of quality in red-and-white for this level.

Vini Souza shines for Sheffield United

One man who was particularly impressive against North End was Vini Souza.

The Brazilian has been subject of transfer interest this summer, with Fulham thought to have offered around £15m for the 25-year-old, but the Blades were holding out for double that.

It’s fair to say that raised a few eyebrows. Souza, like virtually all of his teammates, endured a tough campaign last time out, and for a club needing to raise money to do the business they want, his sale seemed like an inevitability.

Plus, his attitude didn’t exactly always endear him to the support, so the prospect of a big sale didn’t exactly bother too many.

However, even though it’s only one game, the way the ex-Espanyol man played against Preston was a reminder that he could be a huge asset for Chris Wilder this season.

Simply put, he looked a class above, with his power and strength ensuring he could win the ball back with ease, and he was effective in how he used it, demonstrated by his pass accuracy.

Sheffield United were rarely troubled defensively, and a lot of that was down to his presence in the middle of the park, as he offered great protection to the back four.

Of course, this was just one game, and it was against a Preston side that have since changed manager, but it highlighted how effective Souza can be.

It also put to bed any doubts about his attitude, as he was determined to help the Blades pick up three points, and he certainly didn’t let any transfer talk impact his game.

Sheffield United are building a quality Championship side

That opening day win, combined with a relatively comfortable night against Wrexham in the League Cup, will have lifted the mood around Sheffield United, particularly as the takeover is seemingly closer.

Despite all the restrictions, Wilder has used the free agent and loan market to build a very talented squad.

The additions of Callum O’Hare, Kieffer Moore, Alfie Gilchrist and Harry Souttar look extremely good, and the Blades are set to see off many rivals to secure the signing of Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.

Therefore, the clouds that had been over the club a few weeks ago are slowly lifting, and Sheffield United fans will be able to see a brighter future ahead.

Whilst one or two additions will still be required to beef up the squad ahead of the transfer deadline, another priority will be retaining the key players at the club.

Anel Ahmedhodzic and Gustavo Hamer have been linked with a move away, and it’s imperative that they remain at Bramall Lane, as they’re both proven, quality Championship performers.

Souza could also be put into the category of players who Sheffield United must keep, as he has the ability to be one of the standout midfield players in the league this season - as he proved last time out.