Chris Wilder
Sander Berge’s future at Sheffield United is a huge talking point that is set to rumble on for the remainder of the season. Berge’s stock has risen this season despite the Blades’ struggles at the foot of the table, and with clubs no doubt getting ready to cherry-pick the best players from the clubs that suffer relegation, he’ll be one of the first names on many lists. The 23-year-old has made a big impression on the Blades boss in the year or so since he arrived at the club, and there’s no doubt he’d love to be able to retain his services.
Chris Wilder said: “He has the support of everybody here. The communication lines back to home in Norway are frequent. He’s a positive boy, brilliant attitude and I love him to bits. Regardless of what happens we would love him to stay here at the football club. He just gets on with it. It’s really challenging for him, not just to make that move abroad because he’s lived abroad in Belgium but to make the jump over to England and to be straight into lockdown. He’s got the personality to deal with it and there’s some really good people in the staff and players who will help him and keep him going.”
On Berge’s part, there is no question of discontent or wanting to push through a move away from the Blades. Far from it in fact. The Norwegian has only ever spoken in glowing terms about the club, and there’s certainly no sign of him getting itchy feet.
Sander Berge said: “This United team is incredible. Since I have come here I have been surprised at how good the players are. I have played international football and in the Europa League and Champions League before and I have never been in such a good group of professionals. How we train, how we perform. The players have the desire to want to work hard and I have been very impressed by each and every one and I think we still have more to come. I have nothing to complain about. I am a Sheffield United player playing in the Premier League, which is my dream.”
Ultimately though, Wilder knows all too well that Berge’s long-term future won’t, in all likelihood, lie at Bramall Lane, and there’s no thought of standing in the midfielder’s way if an offer is received.
Chris Wilder added: “I think this [Sheffield United] has always been a springboard for Sander,” Wilder said earlier this month. He wants to play at the highest level, he wants to play Champions League regularly and he wants to play for a top team. We gave him an opportunity to show off his skills and he has taken it. If he plays well, he makes us a better team, but I know that day will come. I know Sander won’t be here until he’s 32, but we enjoy working with him and hopefully he has a few games left as a Sheffield United player. I understand, if he goes and if it happens, then it happens with our blessing. I wish Sander all the best. Do I think he can play for a top club? Absolutely, but for that to happen, he has to keep doing well here.”
