Sheffield Wednesday face Plymouth Argyle on late Sunday afternoon. Why is that important? Well, Sheffield United have been linked with Plymouth’s goalkeeper Michael Cooper all summer and there are rumours circulating that Cooper has travelled up to Sheffield…But not for the game.
According to a report from The Star, the 24-year-old is set to miss out on Wayne Rooney’s first game in charge of Argyle as the Blades edge closer to completing a move for the talented shot-stopper. The report also claims United are confident that they can get a deal done for less than £6 million (£3 million plus add-ons).
The Blades need to sort out the goalkeeping department urgently and they have quite a few promising shot-stoppers to choose from, but they are running out of time to get a deal done.
Right now United have a very subpar goalkeeper depth. Croatian goalkeeper Ivo Grbic, who had a disastrous spell with the club at the back end of last season where he conceded 32 goals in ten appearances. While Adam Davies, who started in goal for the Preston North End game, had only played just 19 league games in the past three seasons combined up to that point. But right now he appears to be Chris Wilder’s number one choice.
Brighton goalkeeper Carl Rushworth has been a goalkeeper of interest, and one I personally suggested way before any reports came out, however, he would only likely be a loan player. Whereas with Cooper, he would be a permanent signing and one that could be at the club for years to come.
Sheffield United could have Jesurun Rak-Sakyi through the door soon
Last week it appeared as though the Blades were all set to announce the loan signing of Jesurun Rak-Sakyi from Crystal Palace. Leeds United had other ideas. As per a report from Alan Nixon, Leeds have tabled a bid worth up to £15 million for the exciting winger after it looks like they will now miss out on Norwich City’s Jonathan Rowe, and luckily for Sheffield United, Palace have rejected the offer as they do not want to sell Rak-Sakyi.
Dom Smith reported that United will pay a loan fee in excess of £1 million and pay 100% of Rak-Sakyi’s wages. It is also thought that the loan deal will include a recall option in case Palace want to terminate the loan in January.
Rak-Sakyi’s only loan spell came in the 2022/23 campaign where he took League One by storm for Charlton Athletic having notched 15 goals and eight assists. His countless exciting performances earned him the supporters Player of The Year award.
The Blades would have some outrageous options to choose from for their front line options if they can get the Eagles’ talent through the door at Bramall Lane. Gustavo Hamer, Callum O’Hare and Andre Brooks started as the attacking options supplying Kieffer Moore against Preston North End, with Rhian Brewster and Anis Slimane as sub choices.
Next week against QPR they will have new signing Tyrese Campbell available, who can play out wide or up front, and they’ll be hopeful of adding a natural winger to that list as well.