From Transfer Limbo to Sheffield United's Close-Knit Family: Vinicius Souza's Exclusive Revelations

Before his £10m transfer from Lommel, a club within the City Group, to Sheffield United was officially announced in August, Vinicius Souza was in a Manchester hotel, feeling trapped and eager to escape as negotiations continued.

"I immediately agreed," Souza explains as he looks back on the transfer. "I was eager to come, and the manager wanted me to join as well. However, the club needed to negotiate a deal with City in order to reach an agreement."

"I eagerly awaited each day at the hotel, yearning to train and longing to arrive in Sheffield! The coach consistently reached out to me, inquiring about the situation and offering assistance.

I found myself unable to provide any answers. I sought answers from everyone at City, only to be told, 'You simply need to be patient a little longer.'" One week turned into two, and two turned into three. "I was losing my sanity."

After his successful loan stint with Espanyol in La Liga, the highly sought-after Brazilian had the opportunity to utilize Manchester City's training facilities. However, this added to his frustration as he was restricted in his training due to concerns of potential injury. Consequently, he could only train for a short duration, approximately 30 minutes, before being required to vacate the field. In order to compensate, he would resort to workout sessions in the gym, although it was not possible for him to engage in intense training. As a result, he was deprived of a proper pre-season preparation.

Souza, now a Sheffield United player, showcases his Premier League skills after just six weeks. His perpetual smile and sunny disposition have quickly won over his teammates.

"The guys are absolutely insane, in a good way though. The staff members are also amazing," Souza laughs. "To be honest, I consider them my second family. I spend more time here at the training ground than I do at home."

One of the reasons Souza feels comfortable is because of his manager, Paul Heckingbottom, who showed great interest even before he officially joined the team. "It's incredible, I had countless conversations with the manager. We talked via WhatsApp, phone calls, and even video chats. He would show me training sessions, ensuring that I knew what I needed to do when I eventually joined the team."

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Vinicius Souza showcased his skills in the intense match against Man City, despite their narrow 2-1 defeat. The seamless integration of Souza into the team was largely due to the video sessions that aided his familiarization. Despite debuting as a late substitute against Crystal Palace within just three days of signing, he has managed to start every game thereafter.

The Blades have only earned one point from their efforts thus far, which is less than they deserve considering their close matches against Tottenham and Manchester City. However, Souza's performances in the midfield have been a shining moment for the team.

"I'm not completely at my best yet, but I'm consistently training and feeling better with each game. While I'm content with my own performance, winning the games would make me even happier, as every match here is incredibly challenging. My focus is more on the team rather than myself."

With his stature at 6ft 2ins, strong build, and athletic strides, the 24-year-old is ideally suited for the Premier League, fulfilling a longstanding dream. "I am thrilled," he expresses, a smile adorning his face. "The need for constant focus throughout the entire game is exhilarating. A single mistake can result in defeat—it's insane. But that's my preference. I thrive on playing aggressively and with physicality, so this makes me incredibly happy."

Souza's main strength lies in his ability to win the ball. In the previous season of La Liga, there was only one player who managed to surpass him in terms of total tackles and interceptions, namely Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez. Souza is already displaying remarkable figures in his new environment.

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Vinicius Souza has impressed in his early appearances for Sheffield United

His duel prowess is remarkable, evident from his impressive 65 per cent success rate after five games, placing him fourth among all Premier League midfielders. "I thrive on winning duels," he declares. "Everyone recognizes their importance in the challenging Premier League matches."

Souza not only possesses physical strength, but also exhibits intelligence, which has notably improved during his time in Spain last season. Despite Espanyol's relegation, Souza left with a significantly boosted reputation. Sheffield United were not the only club interested in acquiring his services.

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I absolutely love it. You need full concentration all game. If you make one mistake, you can lose. It's crazy. But it's my style.

"Compared to the Premier League, La Liga poses a more tactical challenge wherein one must remain attentive to their surroundings," Vinicius Souza remarks. "I have attempted to incorporate this approach into my playing style, and I am presently striving to apply it within the Premier League as well."

Getting used to the frantic pace has been quite a challenge. "In this place, there's never a moment to relax with the ball. It's similar to the experience in Spain when facing the top four clubs. However, here, whether you're up against the last-place team or the first-place team, it's all the same. You only have about two seconds to think, so you must be decisive."

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Vinicius Souza had 37 appearances while on loan at Espanyol during the previous season. Prior to his time in Spain, Souza's journey in Europe began in Belgium after leaving his beloved childhood club Flamengo in the summer of 2020. Initially, he felt that the transition from one of Brazil's prominent clubs to the second division in Belgium was a step in the wrong direction.

"When I initially discussed it with my family," he remarks, "that's how I perceived it."

"However, once I ventured there and participated in Lommel, I likened it to a trampoline. I engage in playing here for a brief period, savoring my football, and subsequently, more significant opportunities will arise. To me, it proved to be the greatest decision of my life."

Leaving Flamengo was difficult, considering that my entire family are supporters of the club. I have been a devoted Flamengo fan throughout my life, and I consider it a blessing that I had the chance to play for my beloved club.

The experience of playing at the Maracana was truly incredible. The stadium was always packed with 70,000 fans for every game, regardless of whether it was held on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Sunday. I thrived under that immense pressure, as it fueled my performance on the field. I believe that without that pressure, there is a slight decline in my level of play. I actually require it to perform at my best.

Souza and Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior were teammates at Flamengo's academy, and they have maintained a strong bond. Souza shared that they played together from the ages of 14 to 17 or 18. Despite their geographical separation, Souza made an effort to visit Vinicius in Madrid during his free days, while Vinicius would also come to Barcelona. They constantly stayed in touch through WhatsApp. Souza acknowledged that their current situation has led to changes, but their communication remains steadfast.

Souza provided his friend with support during the distressing incident of racial abuse he endured in Spain last season. He expresses his sadness for all Brazilians, as their country always stands united. Witnessing this unfortunate event happening to Vini deeply saddened them. It is astonishing that racism still persists in 2023. However, Vini remains resilient, continuing to fight, play, and find joy in the game.

Enjoyment is a crucial aspect for Souza, but he also possesses serious ambitions despite his laid-back attitude. Souza has previously represented Brazil at the youth level and is now determined to use his move to the Premier League as a stepping stone towards the senior team. His ultimate goal is for this dream to become a reality.

It's crazy, in 2023, to still have racism. But Vini fights. He keeps fighting, keeps playing and keeps enjoying the game.

Vinicius Souza remains grounded as he emphasizes, "I must stay fully focused on the upcoming match against Sheffield United." However, an impressive performance against his compatriots Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton during Newcastle's visit to Bramall Lane on Sunday would undoubtedly bolster his prospects.

"Prior to the matches, the analysts consistently brief me on the actions I should take and the strategies my opponent might employ. It so happens that Bruno happens to play in the same position as me," he happily reveals.

"At times, they advise me, saying 'Vini, take a cue from Bruno and execute this move!' And I respond, 'Alright, I'll give it a shot!' Yet, Bruno is truly a phenomenal player. He had an extraordinary season the previous year, and presently, in my opinion, he has surpassed himself."

"Joelinton is another very, very good player for the national team, so it will be a hard game against these guys."

The event occurs at Bramall Lane, and although it cannot compare to Brazil's iconic national stadium, Souza is captivated by its distinctive and lively atmosphere.

"Even during warm-up, the fans are absolutely wild. I genuinely enjoy this. It was a different experience not playing in front of supporters during the pandemic. Now, being able to play for these individuals is truly incredible.

"I'm really looking forward to the electrifying atmosphere that comes with playing against a prominent club, as it serves as great motivation. Our relentless training sessions are geared towards preparing us for this crucial match, and without a doubt, we will give nothing less than our utmost effort."

Don't miss the live broadcast of Sheff Utd vs Newcastle on We Premier League starting from 4pm on Super Sunday, with kick-off at 4.30pm.