⚔️ The Shoreham Journal - Sheffield United transfer latest: Doyle, Souza, Phillips
Ruben Selles is yet to make his first signing as Blades boss... 🗞️
Hello and welcome to The Shoreham Journal, a free newsletter all about Sheffield United Football Club. In today’s edition, we round up the latest news from Bramall Lane, including some intriguing transfer rumours.
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Latest news from Bramall Lane 🗞️
👀 Birmingham City are leading the race to sign Tommy Doyle from Wolves, according to Alan Nixon. It’s believed Sheffield United also want to re-sign the 23-year-old, who played a crucial role during the promotion-winning season of 2022-23 during a loan spell from Manchester City.
⚽️ Doyle has slipped down the pecking order at Wolves and seems likely to move on this summer, whether that be on loan or permanently. It’s claimed both Birmingham and United are interested in signing the midfielder on loan, but the Blues are willing to pay Wolves £10 million for Doyle if they are promoted to the Premier League, something United won’t match.
The Shoreham Journal says… Hopefully, Doyle fancies a move back to United. He was superb during his loan spell at Bramall Lane, famously scoring that long-range winner against Blackburn in the FA Cup quarter-final, and is more than good enough at Championship level. If United are missing out on signings to Birmingham, a newly promoted team, it doesn’t bode well for the future. This could be a big moment early in Ruben Selles’ tenure.
😬 Vini Souza could be on the verge of a move to German side Wolfsburg, according to multiple reports from overseas. Brazilian journalist Vene Casagrande, who boasts a million followers on X, claims that Wolfsburg have agreed a deal with the Blades for the 26-year-old, who will head to Germany for a medical shortly.
🇧🇷 The transfer fee for Souza is expected to be between €13 million (£11.6 million) and €15 million (£12.9 million), which would be a slight profit on the reported €12.5 million (£10.7 million) United paid Belgian side Lommel for the midfielder two years ago. AZ/WAZ has backed up Casagrande’s report, but the German-based outlet claims that a medical hasn’t been scheduled yet.
The Shoreham Journal says… Souza was excellent last season, and all of us expected there to be some interest in him this summer. Yet €15 million feels a bit cheap for a player of his quality and someone who could get Selles’ team promoted. I suspect he’s not close to leaving just yet.
🇳🇿 The Blades are interested in signing Tyler Bindon from Nottingham Forest, according to The Guardian. The 20-year-old centre-back, who represents New Zealand at international level, previously played under Selles at Reading before joining Forest on a permanent deal in January. He immediately returned to Reading on loan for the rest of the 2024-25 season.
The Shoreham Journal says… United are short of centre-backs, so talk of Bindon heading to Bramall Lane isn’t surprising. Yet it’s hard to imagine Forest letting the youngster leave the City Ground on a permanent deal. Is it worth signing him on loan? He would have to be one hell of a player if so.
⚽️ Another centre-back who’s been linked with a move to United is Tottenham’s Ashley Phillips. The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Stoke, and it’s believed new Spurs boss Thomas Frank wants to take a look at him during pre-season. But if Phillips is deemed surplus to requirements, Alan Nixon claims United are willing to pay £6 million for him.
👕 United have announced Midnite as their front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2025-26 season. Midnite has agreed a deal with the Blades that allows the sports betting company’s logo to be plastered across the men’s and women’s first-team shirts, training tops and adult replica shirts.
“We’re pleased to welcome Midnite as our principal partner for the 2025-26 season,” said Paul Fielder, United’s head of commercial. “They’ve shown a clear commitment to working with the club and its supporters, and we’ve been impressed by their thoughtful and collaborative approach. We look forward to developing the partnership over the season and providing Blades fans with some memorable moments along the way.”
❌ The Blades have seen an offer for Swindon teenager Botan Ameen rejected, according to the Swindon Advertiser. The 18-year-old featured 14 times in League Two last season and has represented Iraq at U20 level. It’s claimed Bristol Rovers and Norwich have also seen offers rejected, and other clubs are keen on him. The striker has a year left on his contract, with Swindon boss Ian Holloway sending a clear message to United: pay up.
Holloway said: “If they are serious then offer me a damn sight more money, because you know what he is worth, or wait and try and get him cheap next summer as the rules favour you. Nobody big enough for him has come in yet, in my opinion, nobody good enough at the moment. Whoever you are who have offered, you are not good enough for him. We are. You are not, if that is what you value him at.”
⭐️ A flag in memory of the late, great George Baldock was flown at Glastonbury over the weekend.
👏 Former United star James McAtee captained England to victory at the U21 Euros, beating Germany in Saturday’s final. The midfielder, who spent two years on loan at Bramall Lane, is now expected to leave Manchester City on a permanent deal this summer. According to the Daily Mail, five Bundesliga clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, are chasing McAtee’s signature.
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🔜 Mihail Polendakov could be the latest little-known star to join the Blades. As reported by Alan Nixon, United’s data-driven recruitment model has identified the 18-year-old right-back as a potential superstar of the future.
👀 Tellingly, United’s use of AI is being pioneered by former professional poker player James Bord, who is reportedly a part-owner of Polendakov’s current club, Septemvri Sofia. Read into that what you will.
✅ Former Blades striker Dave Kitson has become the new manager of Maidenhead United Women. It’s the 45-year-old’s first role in management.
🎟️ United have announced the Super Draw Lotto winners for June 28, with N Baggaley taking home the £2,000 prize. See the club’s website for more info.