Why Sheffield United should make a move for Domagoj Vida
As per reports in Turkey (h/t Yorkshire Live), Sheffield United are interested in signing Besiktas defender Domagoj Vida in the summer.
Vida, 31, came through the ranks of NK Osijek’s youth system in Croatia and joined Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2011. After helping Zagreb lift two league titles, Ukrainian side Dynamo Kyiv signed him in the summer of 2013.
He won several titles with the Ukrainian champions, before moving to Besiktas in the summer of 2018. The defender is also one of Croatia’s most successful centre-backs and has immense experience. Thus, Sheffield United should make a move for him at the earliest as the Championship side West Brom are also interested in him, as per the report.
The Blades, meanwhile, have been the surprise package in the Premier League this term. They have had a successful season so far which was not expected from the side which just got promoted from the second division last term.
Chris Wilder‘s men have been brilliant as they sit in the 7th position in the league table. Though they have been knocked out of the Carabao Cup, the Blades are still in contention for the FA Cup and are also aiming for a Europa League spot in the next season.
However, the Blades boss Wilder should bring in reinforcements to bolster their squad depth if they have to prolong their success in the top-flight. They have done well so far but bringing in new faces would help them add depth to the squad.
Vida could offer experience in Sheffield United’s defence
Sheffield United’s defence has been brilliant so far, conceding just 25 goals as they boast the second-best defensive record in the league. Jack O’Connell, Chris Basham, John Egan and Phil Jagielka are the four centre-backs available at the manager’s disposal. And Panagiotis Retsos is on loan from Bayer Leverkusen.
O’Connell, Egan and Basham have been the regular centre-backs and they have been brilliant. However, Jagielka is already 37, reaching the end of his career and Restos’ loan spell expires at the end of the season. Thus, bringing in a central defender would be a wise decision for the Blades.
In that regard, signing Vida would do them a world of good. The Croatian has made over 400 career appearances and has been successful for whichever club he has played for. He was also instrumental in Croatia’s run to the World Cup finals in 2018.
He would definitely bring in a wealth of experience to Wilder’s squad, whilst also adding some much-needed depth to the Blades squad.
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Verdict
At 31, Vida still has a few more years to offer at a higher level. And, Sheffield United signing him would help them boost their backline. He would be a crucial player for the Blades with his experience and winning mentality. Thus, they should manage to lure Vida to Bramall Lane this summer.
