Sheffield United will be looking to make atonement for their shocking 3-0 defeat to Hull City when they go to Derby County next.
Before that sobering defeat, the Blades had won their last three Championship games, but their confidence will have been harmed by the Tigers’ unexpected mayhem at Bramall Lane.
Chris Wilder will want to see the new players he’s brought in, Ben Brereton Diaz and Tom Cannon, perform well at Pride Park as part of their new squad, with more new additions apparently on the way, including a contract for this Brazilian midfielder.
Sheffield United interested in Brazilian star
According to a new claim from the Sunday Mirror, which was reported by the Sheffield Star, the Blades are interested in signing midfield jewel Danilo Barbosa this window, with his present club Botafago preparing to transfer him before his contract expires.
The Championship promotion hopefuls aren’t the only ones interested in signing the 28-year-old, with Leeds United and Everton also reportedly interested in the 6-foot holding midfielder, who may be sold for as cheap as £2 million before February’s early deadline.
With United apparently interested in bringing in Hamza Choudhury, and a loan transfer for the Leicester City reserve figure to South Yorkshire seeming increasingly likely, Wilder’s side might have a new-look core as the holding midfield roles are revamped.
What Barbosa could offer Sheffield United
There would be a method to Wilder’s madness here, given his side’s holding midfield positions need depth at the moment due to Ollie Arblaster’s significant injury.
That was clear in Hull’s defeat, with Harrison Burrows pulled in to play as an anchor for his club after being primarily used as a left flank option for the majority of the season, and academy product Sydie Peck also having to remain in the spotlight alongside Burrows.
Bringing in Barbosa would provide Wilder with a fresh body away from relying on Peck and Burrows to shine, with the 28-year-old a well-traveled figure eager for the opportunity to star in England.
Barbosa has demonstrated his ability to be calm on the ball and a goal threat for Botafago this season, while also proving himself to be an attritional figure centrally, with a rock-solid pair potentially forming if the ex-Braga player joins the Blades ranks shortly with Choudhury.
| Barbosa’s league numbers (2024) vs Choudhury’s (22/23) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stat (* = per game) | Barbosa | Choudhury |
| Games played | 25 | 36 |
| Goals scored | 3 | 0 |
| Assists | 1 | 0 |
| Touches* | 32.0 | 54.0 |
| Accurate passes* | 19.7 (84%) | 34.1 (84%) |
| Interceptions* | 1.0 | 2.3 |
| Tackles* | 1.2 | 3.0 |
| Clearances* | 1.4 | 1.1 |
| Total duels won* | 3.1 | 5.1 |
| Stats by Sofascore | ||
Looking at the table above, Barbosa outperforms Choudhury in terms of attacking productivity during the 27-year-old’s last season in the second division under Wilder’s supervision at Watford, with four goals to Choudhury’s none.
However, Choudhury’s defensive strengths more than compensate for his weaknesses in offense, as he wins more interceptions, tackles, and duels on average than his possible new Brazilian partner.
Choudhury, who was promoted to the Premier League last year after receiving more playing time at the King Power Stadium, appears to be a valuable addition to the Blades’ squad.
Partnering him with a new face in the English game might also benefit Barbosa, as additional recruits are expected to join the ever-expanding squad.
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