Sheffield United have added to their goalkeeping ranks with the addition of Wes Foderingham. The 29-year-old arrives on a free transfer having left Steven Gerrard‘s Rangers in May. He has signed a three-year contract with Chris Wilder’s side.
Sheffield United Complete Signing of Wes Foderingham
Welcome to the Blades, Wes 🧤 pic.twitter.com/TRGq0wz075
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) July 17, 2020
Familiar With the Blades
While Foderingham has not featured for the Blades before, he has been their enemy on occasion during United’s stints in League One.
Back then, he was the first-choice stopper for Swindon Town, and he played a starring role in the breathtaking play-off semi-final between the pair in 2015, which Swindon eventually won 7-6 on aggregate after a 5-5 draw in the second leg.
Boosting the Ranks
Even with Dean Henderson leaving the club at the end of the season upon the expiry of his loan from Manchester United, Foderingham’s addition looks to be as a back-up more than anything, given his age and lack of experience in the Premier League.
This looks to have been confirmed by United’s goalkeeping coach, Darren Ward, who told the club website: “[We] are delighted to be able to bring him in to bolster the goalkeeping department to give us options and competition for places.”
Simon Moore has been Sheffield United’s second-choice keeper this season, but his only league action has been in the games against Manchester United where Henderson was unable to play against his parent club.
The Blades also have youngster Jake Eastwood, who has spent the season on loan at Scunthorpe United in League Two, and Michael Verrips, who is yet to feature since his move from KV Mechelen last summer.
The addition of another goalkeeper suggests that at least one of these will be leaving once the season ends. The lack of experience between them, too, also suggests that a solid first-choice keeper will be coming in if Henderson does not return next season.
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