Sheffield United fans once again face an anxious wait when it comes to the future of Sander Berge this summer.
The Norwegian midfielder starred last season as United climbed back out of the Championship and into the Premier League. Indeed, it was Berge’s goal against West Brom which sent the Blades on their way.
However, recent talk has once again centered around Berge leaving the club. Reports have suggested West Ham might be keen on a deal, with a low asking price of £10m being mooted.
But according to the Sheffield Star, Berge’s immediate future lies at Bramall Lane.
The Star claims that Berge has informed Heckingbottom and others inside the club that he is happy to remain at the club for this season and help the Blades stay up.
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However, there is a worrying caveat. Berge is apparently ready to see what the free-agency market has in store for him next summer. With that in mind, United are not planning any contract talks with Berge.
Essentially, the club are accepting they’ll lose their key man, barring a turn of events.
United paid £22m to sign Berge when in the PL previously.
Sheff U News View: Berge has to stay put
John Egan called Berge ‘unbelievable‘ last season and that assessment was bang on. At times, Berge looked unplayable in the Championship and he’s a key asset for United.
As Heckingbottom has stated himself, we’d not be able to sign a player of his calibre right now if we were looking so it makes no sense to lose him.
Sure, club finances might dictate the final decision. But as it stands, Sander needs to remain in S2.
What will be will be in 2024. But if Berge can help United get a foothold back in the division, then he’ll have more than repaid his transfer fee anyway.