Sheffield United could well start the Championship season with Sander Berge in the ranks, with Arsenal appearing to cool their interest in the Norwegian.
Berge has been the talk of S2 ever since United were relegated from the Premier League. He is seen as one of the Blades’ most saleable assets, and Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Napoli have all shown interest.
However, as yet, no bid has been forthcoming. United are said to be sticking to their guns on the £35m release-clause. And that is putting off potential suitors.
The Athletic has reported that Arsenal don’t see £35m as a fair reflection of Berge’s value in the current market. Granted, the window hasn’t really got fully going yet, given we are still in mid-July.
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The Gunners are already making waves in this window. They’ve signed Nuno Taveres from Benfica, while deals for Ben White and Albert Lokonga are close. They’re also keen on United’s Aaron Ramsdale, but again, haven’t bid what the Blades board want.
United, then, could well end up lining up against Birmingham with both Sander Berge and Ramsdale in the XI.
Blades need clarity on Berge, Jokanovic talks crucial
The Blades cannot afford to go into this season with certain players’ future up in the air. It just can’t happen, and Jokanovic won’t want it either.
United’s new boss is due to talk with Berge this week. Now the club are back from their Spanish retreat, it’s time to get down to business.
The Blades need to know if Berge is invested, or has eyes on a move elsewhere. Likewise, Ramsdale is the same. Although all indications point to the stopper remaining in Sheffield.
If Berge stays, great. But if he is going, we need to make that decision now and plan for life without him. The board have said all along they’ll only accept the release-clause.
But as the window goes on and things get twitchy, it will be interesting to see if they stick to that word if a bid of around £25-26m comes their way.
