Sheffield United have their eye on Wigan Athletic’s Sam Tickle ahead of the January window, according to Alan Nixon via his Patreon.
Sheffield United are gathering real momentum in the Championship after what had been a disastrous start to the season. Chris Wilder’s return, coming only a few months after he was replaced by Ruben Selles, has transformed SUFC into a side that suddenly looks dangerous again.
Their statement win over Stoke City on Saturday has sharpened their focus on the play-offs. With four consecutive victories behind them, the Blades now sit just eight points off the top six.
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
A pivotal January transfer window is approaching for SUFC, and early planning is already underway. One man on the radar of the Blades this January is Wigan Athletic ‘keeper Sam Tickle, according to Alan Nixon via his Patreon.
Sheffield United were interested in Tickle over the summer, and the interest has not gone away. SUFC see him as a potential replacement for Mike Cooper in January, but a move could be made even if Cooper stays at the club.
Sam Tickle is due another crack at the Championship
Sheffield United target Sam Tickle broke into the Wigan Athletic first team after their drop to League One. He had debuted in the Championship, but it was following relegation that he truly showed the level of his ability.
Image courtesy of: JASON CAIRNDUFF/REUTERS.
The England U21 goalkeeper has kept five clean sheets in 18 league matches this season, taking him to 46 shutouts in 128 appearances for the club. His consistency has made him a key figure for the Latics over the past few years.
His form for Wigan Athletic has led to interest from some of England’s top clubs. Manchester United and Arsenal have both been keen in recent seasons and Tickle even reportedly rejected a move to the Gunners back in the summer of 2024.
Many believe Tickle is destined for the top, with his trajectory pointing firmly upwards. A spell in the Championship may be the next step, and SUFC are eager to be the club that takes him there.
Sam Tickle’s career stats
Looking to replicate Cooper’s success
Sheffield United pulled off a real coup in 2024 when they brought in Mike Cooper from Plymouth Argyle. He came in for around £2m and quickly became arguably the best goalkeeper in the division.
While Cooper had slighlty more experience than Tickle, the two are not too far apart. Tickle would be joining SUFC at a very similar stage in his career, knowing that he is at a club who can develop players like him.
Sheffield United would likely need to pay a similar fee as well, espeically with Wigan’s status in League One. It could be a very shrewd piece of business for SUFC and a needed one after their poor summer window.