Are Blades Lining Up Danish International?

Sheffield United are rumoured to be on the verge of signing former Manchester City, Leeds United, and Leicester City keeper Kasper Schmeichel from Belgian side Anderlecht.

Schmeichel, aged 37, joined the Belgian side in September 2023, signing a one-year deal. He had played in 13 domestic matches for Anderlecht this season as they currently sit second.

Sheffield United owner Prince Abdullah is no stranger to Belgian football as he owns second-division side K. Beershot V.A. Though the club is also up for sale.

Current number one stopper Wes Foderingham has come under unnecessary criticism from the Sheffield United supporters, who have labelled him a scapegoat following the football club’s current situation. The Blades currently lay bottom of the table, having conceded 49 goals and scored just 15 goals. However, statistics don’t lie, that is for sure. Foderingham (to date) has made 89 saves this season – the most from any Premier League keeper.

It is believed that Schmeichel, who won the Premier League with Leicester City in 2016, could be set for a return to England and Sheffield United could be his next move.

Our Opinion

It is fair to say that ‘League One Wes’ has done United proud, and he has proved an influential keeper. However, it is best to remember that Foderingham was brought in as second choice to Aaron Ramsdale in July 2020. Since then, Ramsdale was sold to Arsenal and Fodders has been (virtually) ever-present in the league.

If United are to retain their Premier League status for next season, then, in an ideal world, the club must invest in all aspects of the playing staff. It isn’t Wes’ fault alone that goals have been conceded. This comes down to the defence and its training staff who are their to help prevent the keeper from coming under attacks from shots in and around the penalty area. Unless the defence is sorted, I’m not confident that a change in goalkeeper would prove any more effective.