'Been amazing' - Djibril Soumaré's Stoke City impact hailed ahead of Sheffield United reunion
The impact of a Stoke City midfielder has been hailed ahead of his reunion with former club Sheffield United
Djibril Soumaré’s impact at Stoke City has been hailed ahead of his reunion with Sheffield United.
The 23-year-old joined the Blades on loan from Braga in the summer of 2025, during the brief reign of Ruben Selles.
He made 27 appearances across the 2025/26 campaign, during which Chris Wilder returned to the Bramall Lane helm to succeed Selles.
Sheffield United had a criteria-dependent obligation to buy the midfielder that was not triggered, but he did not return to Portugal for long.
Stoke took the Soumaré back to the Championship, signing the former Senegal youth international on a permanent basis. The Potters are due to host the Blades on Saturday (September 16), briefly reuniting Soumaré with his former club.
Ex-Sheffield United man hailed ahead of reunion
As reported by the Stoke Sentinel, Potters defender Luke Graham has lavished praise upon his teammate.
He said: “Djib’s been amazing. He’s a brilliant character to have around the dressing room as well as being an absolute unit on the pitch. You know if you can give Djib the ball he’s going to do something with it and try to create.
“Him being in front of that backline takes the pressure off us, too. He’s sweeping up all the time and he’s been brilliant. He’s off his head. He’s brilliant, a great character to have around.”
Djibril Soumaré’s fresh start at Stoke City
After penning a three-year contract at Stoke in the summer, Soumaré laid out his belief the coaches at the club were the right ones for him.
He said: “My overriding emotion upon signing for Stoke City is one of pride. Like every young footballer, I want coaches who really enjoy developing the player and I believe that the coaches here are the right ones for me.
“I would say that I am an aggressive player who likes the ball. I enjoy being aggressive in my mentality but also in how I win the ball for the team too.
“I am 23, I am no longer a kid; I feel more mature for last season in the Championship, where I know you have to run a lot, and that experience is one I have felt significant benefit from.
“I cannot wait to meet our supporters but I know the only way to earn their trust, and that of the manager, is to give my utmost every time I train and play, and by helping my teammates to win matches for Stoke City.”