Sheffield United broke their transfer record, completing the signing of Norwegian international midfielder Sander Berge for a fee of around £22million from Belgian outfit Genk.
The 21-year old who has already won 20 caps at international level has penned a 4-year deal until the summer of 2024 at Bramall Lane.
In what has been a sensational return to the Premier League for Chris Wilder and his team this campaign, their season may have just taken another turn for the better with the signing of one of Europe’s most coveted young midfielders in Sander Berge.
The midfielder was signed by Genk from Norwegian side Valerenga in 2015 and an influential figure in Genk’s quest of the Belgian league title last season.
Sheffield United manager was delighted a deal with the player could be completed. Wilder said:
“When we sat down with Sander it was clear that he was excited about coming here and that was great to see.
I think this signing just shows for us how far we have come in a short space of time, that we are now attracting the likes of Sander to the football club. It’s a brilliant signing for us.”
The signing of Sander Berge is indeed a reflection of how far Sheffield United have come in such a short space of time. This is a player that has been scouted by a whole host of top European clubs such as Premier League leaders Liverpool. A player who had his heart set on moving to a side in the Champions League, it is a true testament to Sheffield United’s recruitment drive that they have been able to snap up a talent who should really be gracing Europe’s top competition.
So what would Berge offer Sheffield United? Where would he fit?
Sander Berge is a player built for the big occasion, literally.
The Norwegian is a man mountain. 21 years of age, standing at 6 ft, 3 inches.
Well known in the gaming world of Football manager, the Genk midfielder is equally impressive in real life too and is said to be one of the brightest young midfield prospects in European football. He’s stood out in the Champions League this season – including the two group fixtures against Liverpool.
When it comes to natural abilities, Sander Berge holds all the ingredients necessary to be a big hit in English top-flight.
Efficient in the press, powerful in his tackling and holds the relative experience and character needed to become an instant success in the Premier League. All at the age of just 21.
What’s also good about Berge is his influence on those around him. When he plays, Genk are a much better and dominant force and that’s the kind of influence he will have on Chris Wilder’s side. We’re already accustomed to Sheffield United’s organisation, unity, and energy in the midfield and the acquisition of the Norwegian can only add to those traits. Oliver Norwood, John Fleck and John Lundstram have been 3 of the league’s most impressive performers throughout the campaign in midfield. Their relentless running, energy and tenacity have provided the whole team with the incentive to dominate teams both defensively and in attack, its no surprise that Sheffield United hold one of the league best defences.
New signing Berge would fit seamlessly into Chris Wilder’s midfield. He’s more than capable of playing anywhere across their midfield three, but would probably provide more impact at the base of the midfield. Aerially dominant, a workhorse, a willing runner and a player who holds a fantastic understanding tactically. Characteristics which will instantly endear him to the Bramall Lane faithful.
For a player as tall as he is, Berge also holds a unique skill set in getting by his marker. His close ball control, strength and flexibility means he has no problems beating an opponent’s press or evading tight spaces.
Berge is a great signing for Sheffield United. His character and personality stands out too, a future leader potentially for both club and country. He’s clever in the way he reads the game. Quick in his decision making. While John Fleck and John Lundstram are tasked with roaming up the pitch, and performing duties to support the attack in the half-space, Berge could be the perfect sweeper. His towering presence means players will have to try extra hard getting past him. Very quick on his feet, able to dominate and sweep up play across the front of the back five.
Wilder’s portrait is of a typical English manager, very traditional in his approach but he’s one of the most modern around, always looking for new methods and playing a hungry style of football. That will suit Sander Berge to the ground.
Sheffield United have pulled off an absolute steel. Pun intended.
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