Sheffield United’s resurgence under Chris Wilder has come with a renewed focus on January, and early signs point toward another raid on League One talent.
According to reports on Patreon from Alan Nixon, Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle is high on their list.
Blades Turn to Wigan’s Sam Tickle as Planning Intensifies
Tickle is 23 and one of the standout performers in League One, and has always impressed against the Imps. He broke through at Wigan during their most recent Championship stint, but it was following relegation that he established himself as their first-choice keeper.
Five clean sheets in 18 league games this season have pushed him to 46 for the club across 128 matches, a consistency that has turned heads far beyond League One. Manchester United and Arsenal have monitored him in recent years, and he even turned down a move to the Gunners in 2024 in favour of regular senior football.
A Familiar Blueprint for the Blades
Sheffield United, who unsuccessfully pursued him in the summer, see him as a potential successor to Mike Cooper. Cooper’s form since arriving from Plymouth Argyle has been a major success story, and the club views Tickle as someone who could follow a similar path, arriving young and growing rapidly in a demanding environment.
Cooper’s arrival for around £2m in 2024 proved excellent value, and those within the club believe Tickle could be acquired on comparable terms. Wigan’s position in League One and their reliance on the academy for key performers means interest in their goalkeeper is inevitable, and the January window is likely to test their resolve.
Tickle’s trajectory, combining England U21 recognition with consistent League One output, suggests another crack at the Championship is overdue. For Sheffield United, this window is as much about addressing weaknesses as reinforcing a project that Wilder has finally pulled back into shape. After a troubled summer that left gaps throughout the squad, adding a long-term goalkeeper is seen as smart business rather than an immediate necessity.
LOL no chance of getting Tickle for anywhere near £2mill ! Arsenal offered more already & Wigan would need around £10mill to part with Tickle now. He’s easily good enough for Premier LGE now !