Henrik Heggheim: Spotlight on impressive Norwegian amid Sheffield United transfer 'interest', Chris Wilder comments
Chris Wilder has already outlined why Scandinavia could be an important market for Sheffield United as they look to strengthen their squad - and a Norwegian has subsequently been linked with a move to Bramall Lane
Chris Wilder, the Sheffield United manager, remains hopeful that the club may be in a better position to invest in players when the January sales begin - and the Blades have already been credited with interest in a Norwegian defender. United’s summer work was made up completely of frees and loans.
But Wilder has made it clear, in talks with the Blades hierarchy, that a constant cycle of player sales is not possible if the club don’t invest in players that they can cash in on further down the line.
Three key assets - Gus Hamer, Andre Brooks and Callum O’Hare - were prised away over the summer with speculation expected to resume about the futures of the likes of Sydie Peck, Michael Cooper and Harrison Burrows in January.
One area the Blades have been left light is at centre-half, and reports this week have suggested that they are keeping tabs on Norwegian defender Henrik Heggheim as they continue to assess potential recruits from across Europe.
Stoke City, who beat United at the weekend to send them into the international break on a low ebb, have also been linked with the 25-year-old Eliteserien man.
Speaking recently on the importance of recruitment, Wilder signalled his intention to continue targeting British-based players but also specifically identified Scandinavia as one of the areas United could look towards in the future.
“I’m never against signing players from abroad,” Wilder said. “I just think understanding the culture of this football club is always important.
“British-based players, ideally out of League One and maybe out of League Two, or coming out of Scotland or Scandinavia. Who have got that mentality, that work ethic that suits us, and suits me. Or maybe suits the next manager.”
Although United’s interest in Heggheim has not been publicly confirmed, it is an interesting link at a time when the Blades are actively exploring the market he is impressing in.
The Stavanger-born defender came through Viking's academy and made his senior debut for the club as a teenager before earning a move to Danish side Brøndby in 2021.
His time in Denmark did not develop as he might have hoped, however, and after a loan spell with Vålerenga he returned to Viking in 2024. And that decision has proved significant in the development of his career.
Heggheim was part of the Viking side that won the Norwegian top flight last season and has continued to play a prominent role for the club, while also gaining experience in European competition.
Although primarily developed as a centre-back, he has also been used at right-back, adding another layer of versatility to his profile. He has been particularly productive in front of goal this year, too, with five league goals to his name in 2026.
Wilder has spoken frequently about the need for players who bring the right mentality and work ethic, and Heggheim has impressed on that front too. When Brøndby signed him in 2021, their football director Carsten V. Jensen described him as one of the best Scandinavian defenders in his age group.
Three years later, when Heggheim returned to Viking, Jensen praised his “great professionalism and dedication”, adding that he had earned the respect of teammates and coaches during his time in Denmark.