The key point Chris Wilder believes Sheffield United proved when they signed Sander Berge

Sander Berge’s presence at Bramall Lane demonstrates Sheffield United’s ambition to become a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League, manager Chris Wilder has claimed.
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Berge, one of the most coveted young players in Europe, became the most expensive player in United’s history when he completed a £22m move from Genk four months ago.

Wilder’s employers beat off competition from Napoli to sign the Norway international and, although he conceded his team’s fine start to the season made Berge’s arrival possible, the 52-year-old insisted it also proved they are serious about building upon their recent progress.

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“Do we sign Sander when we’ve just come up? The answer is ‘no’ of course,” Wilder, who led United to promotion last term, said. “But do we sign Sander when we’re sixth, seventh or eighth in the table?

“Well, obviously that’s a ‘yes’ because he’s here isn’t he.”

Berge made four appearances for United before English football was forced into lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic at the beginning of March.

Despite being described as certainties for relegation by many pundits, Wilder’s squad were seventh in the table and preparing for an FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal at the time. Berge was a member of the side which set-up that tie by beating Reading at the fifth round stage.

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United partially reopened the doors of their Steelphalt Academy training complex last month, as PL chiefs started drawing up plans for a potential return to action next month.

Chris Wilder believes Sander Berge's presence at Bramall Lane speaks volumes about Sheffield United's ambition: Simon Bellis/SportimageChris Wilder believes Sander Berge's presence at Bramall Lane speaks volumes about Sheffield United's ambition: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Chris Wilder believes Sander Berge's presence at Bramall Lane speaks volumes about Sheffield United's ambition: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

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