It seems so long ago now that we were discussing a potential £35m move for Sander Berge, with the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham circling the Sheffield United midfielder.
Over the summer, it was almost accepted that Berge would be sold. The £22m signing is one of the Blades’ prize assets, and United thought they could get around the £35m mark for their man. Reports of lower bids were prevalent. Tottenham apparently offered £17m, while teams in Italy eyed loan moves.
But here we are, months down the line, and Sander Berge remains part of the Sheffield United squad. Injuries have once again ravaged him, meaning he’s only just coming back to fitness for new boss Paul Heckingbottom.
And with January just around the corner, it looks like Berge might well be staying put at The Lane. That’s if Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s comments on his own club’s spending are anything to go by.
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Careful
After spending big in the summer, Arsenal need to keep ensuring they get things right. One of the signings they did get spot on seems to be that of former Blade, Aaron Ramsdale.
But speaking this week ahead of his side’s clash with Manchester United, Arteta appeared to rule out any major January moves.
“A lot has to be done, we know and we don’t expect big things to be happening, but we need to be very alert in the market to see if we can improve the team,” the Spaniard said.
Those comments, coupled with the Gunners already baulking at United’s asking price for Berge in the summer, would appear to make a January switch unlikely.
Of course, should Arsenal remain keen on Sander Berge, then the Blades’ asking-price may have dipped. The club would, you’d assume, deal with any bid that came in on a case by case basis.
Key Player
There is no doubt that Sander Berge can be a top player for Sheffield United this season. He showed glimpses in the Premier League, and looked a real threat in pre-season and the opening few games when bursting forward.
First off, Berge needs to ensure he’s over his injury woes. Only then will we get a true reflection of just how good he can be. Secondly, he needs to win his place back. The midfield is now hotly contested, especially if Morgan Gibbs-White is going to occupy that number ten role.
However, a fit Sander Berge improves any Championship squad. And if Heckingbottom and United can get a tune out of him, resist January bids and temptations, and keep momentum going at Shirecliffe, then Berge could well help fire United into the top six after all.
