“Huge chunk of the budget” – Sheffield United urged to reconsider Sunderland transfer

Sheffield United are looking for a new custodian as they prepare for life back in the Championship,

with Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson rumoured to be a target.

The Blades have had a difficult campaign, struggling to compete for big stretches in the top flight,

but there is hope that they will be able to contend for promotion next season.

However, it is evident that a lot of work needs to be done on the team,

but Chris Wilder will not have a large budget to deal with due to the ownership structure.

However, a few transactions could offer Wilder more freedom to bring in new players,

and it’s no secret that the Yorkshire club will be looking for a new custodian.

Sunderland interested in £8 million-rated Anthony Patterson.

It has been believed that Rotherham’s Viktor Johansson is on their radar, as the stopper has a release clause of roughly £750,000.

More recently, The Sun reported that Sheffield United could offer £8 million to buy Patterson from Sunderland,

with the 24-year-old establishing himself as one of the best keepers outside the Premier League over the last few years.

Patterson’s form has sparked interest from Arsenal and Liverpool,

but he may see a transfer to Bramall Lane as a better choice because he will be assured playing time.

Sheffield United is told to be sensible this summer.

On paper, bringing in Patterson would be a big statement of intent for the Blades,

and he would be a good acquisition as they aim to rebound at their first opportunity.

However, fan analyst Owain stated that, while he would be pleased to see Patterson join,

the club may need to go with the cheaper keeper, Johansson, if they are on a tight budget,

as there is a lot of work to be done this summer.

“I guess I prefer Johansson.

“If our budget is as tight as we anticipate it will be, I don’t understand why we would spend £8 million on Patterson.

That would be a significant portion of the money, especially as Johansson can be acquired for less than a million pounds,

allowing us to spend the difference to enhance elsewhere.

“This does not imply that Patterson would be a poor signing.

He is young, and he has the ability to remain number one for an extended length of time. So he’d be good both today and in the long run.

“Keeper needs to be a top priority, with Patterson and Johansson both attracting interest from other clubs,

and we can’t afford to miss out on our targets and be left scratching our heads in preseason.

“Grbic isn’t good enough, Foderingham’s out, and Adam Davies isn’t good enough.

So we need to get one of them in as soon as possible and get them ready for preseason. Having a good custodian is essential for a successful season.

Sheffield United’s Summer Plans

Most fans would likely agree with Owain’s reasoning here, because, while Patterson is a very fine keeper by Championship standards,

the Blades must spend wisely this summer.

As he states, a new keeper is a priority, but there are several other positions that need to be filled,

so they may have to look for some bargains to ensure they can get enough players through the door.

On that premise, Johansson would be the best option, as he has Championship experience and is available at a low cost.

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