Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has clarified the club's plans for the goalkeeping position, stating they have not made an approach for free agent Asmir Begovic. Wilder said this week that he is comfortable with the options currently at his disposal at Bramall Lane.
Begovic, a former Premier League winner with Chelsea, became a free agent after leaving Leicester City earlier this summer. The experienced 37-year-old had been linked with a move to United, but Wilder moved to dismiss those rumours ahead of the EFL Cup opener at Mansfield Town. "Ivo's still with us, so we have to take that into consideration," Wilder said of Croatian international Ivo Grbic. "He's still our player."
What is Sheffield United's current goalkeeping situation?
The Blades have three senior goalkeepers in their squad for the new Championship campaign. First-choice Wes Foderingham is supported by Ivo Grbic, who has spent the last two seasons out on loan but remains under contract. The third option is 16-year-old academy graduate Tommy Betts, who has been promoted following Luke Faxon's loan move to Boston United until January. Wilder indicated he is prepared to use Betts as the third-choice keeper if needed. "Tommy is somebody we really think a lot about," the manager said. "If we have to run with Tommy as a third choice, then we're OK with that."
This stance comes despite a crowded market for available goalkeepers. Wilder acknowledged that many players are looking for opportunities. "I would say one of the positions that there is a lot of players floating about is that third choice goalkeeper," he noted. For now, the focus is on integrating the existing group, with Grbic's future still to be decided. The club will continue to monitor his situation as the transfer window progresses.
How does this affect the squad for the season ahead?
With the decision not to pursue Begovic, United's goalkeeping department is set for the immediate future. This provides stability as the team prepares for a demanding Championship season. The current squad, which you can view in full on our squad page, shows a blend of experience and youth across all positions. Foderingham's consistent performances last season were a bright spot, and he is expected to retain the number one shirt.
Grbic's presence adds depth and international experience, having been capped for Croatia. Betts' promotion is a clear signal of the club's commitment to developing young talent. This approach aligns with a broader strategy seen across the roster, where several academy products are pushing for first-team minutes. The upcoming fixtures, detailed on our fixtures page, will test this squad depth early in the campaign.
What are the wider implications for United's transfer plans?
Clarifying the situation in goal allows the club to direct resources and attention to other areas of the pitch. Wilder and the recruitment team have been active in the market, but the goalkeeper position is now considered a lower priority. The manager described it as "a position that doesn't really concern us at the moment, but it's something that we have got an eye on."
This pragmatic approach suggests United are working within a defined budget and are not looking to add players unless they significantly improve the group. The free agent market remains an option, but any move would likely be for a player willing to accept a specific role. For now, the focus shifts to the outfield, where strengthening is likely to continue as the Blades aim to build a squad capable of challenging at the top of the Championship table. Fans can track the team's progress and league position on our standings page throughout the season.
The immediate focus is on Sunday's EFL Cup first-round tie away at Mansfield Town, which kicks off at 2pm on September 6th.
