Sheffield United to target exceptional Championship goalkeeper

Sheffield United to table £8 million bid for goalkeeper Anthony Patterson; they prefer him to Viktor Johansson

Sheffield United are in need of a goalkeeper for next season with three of their current goalkeepers being out of contract at the end of this term. Additionally, the January signing of Ivo Grbic for £2 million has not paid off whatsoever, having looked uncomfortable and unconvincing as a Premier League starter.

Of course, the Blades have been closely linked with Rotherham United goalkeeper Viktor Johansson. The Swede has a relegation release clause in his contract where teams can sign him for a little less than a million pounds.

Unsurprisingly, teams are queuing up to sign the 25-year-old following the Millers’ demotion to League One. Leeds United and Stoke City are among the interested parties, along with the Blades.

Johansson himself has proven to be a good goalkeeper at Championship level despite suffering relegation this term. But if this recent claim by Nixon is anything to go by then Sheffield United must clearly prefer Patterson over Johansson, even despite the contrasting fees.

That being said, in Patterson, you do know that you’re getting a goalkeeper that has good shot-stopping ability, as well as the ability to claim crosses. While his distribution is also useful – whether you want to play a shorter build-up type of game or a long and direct approach.

My view on the potential deal involving Anthony Patterson

For £8 million for a goalkeeper that has kept a staggering 27 clean sheets in his last two Championship seasons would be a good piece of business considering he has a very high ceiling.

The fee wouldn’t even be that big of an issue either. If the 24-year-old was to sign a four year deal for example: the club would be able to spread the finances of the deal across the Englishman’s contract length.

When you consider the club financed a £4 million deal to have Cameron Archer at the club just for one season then the £8 million deal for Patterson would be a good move. Especially considering his potential and his proven top quality at the Championship level.