Sheffield United are eyeing Wigan Athletic’s Sam Tickle ahead of January Alan Nixon via his Patreon.
Sheffield United are building real momentum in the Championship after what has been a disastrous start to the season. The return of Chris Wilderjust a few months after being replaced by Ruben Selles, SUFC has transformed into a side that suddenly looks dangerous again.
Their victory over Stoke City on Saturday has sharpened their focus on the play-offs. With four straight wins behind them, the Blades now sit just eight points clear of the top six.
A crucial January transfer window is approaching for SUFC, and early planning is already in full swing. One man on the Blades’ radar in January is Wigan Athletic keeper Sam Tickle, according to Alan Nixon via his Patreon.
Sheffield United were interested in Tickle last summer, and the interest has not faded. SUFC sees him as a potential replacement for Mike Cooper in January, but a move could be made even if Cooper remains at the club.
Sam Tickle is ready for another crack at the championship
Sheffield United target Sam Tickle broke into Wigan Athletic’s first team following their drop to League One. He had made his debut in the championship, but it was only after relegation that he really showed what he could do.
The England U21 goalkeeper has kept five clean sheets in 18 league appearances this season, taking him to 46 shutouts in 128 appearances for the club. His consistency has made him a key figure for the Latics in recent years.
His form for Wigan Athletic has attracted interest from some of England’s top clubs. Manchester United and Arsenal have both been keen in recent seasons and Tickle is even said to have turned down a move to the Gunners in the summer of 2024.
Many believe Tickle is destined for the top, with his trajectory firmly pointed upwards. A spell in the Championship could be the next step, and SUFC are keen to be the club that takes him there.
Sam Tickle’s career statistics
| Club | Games | Goals against | Clean sheets |
| Wigan | 128 | 133 | 46 |
I want to replicate Cooper’s success
Sheffield United pulled off a real coup in 2024 when they signed Mike Cooper from Plymouth Argyle. He came in for around £2 million and quickly became arguably the best goalkeeper in the division.
Although Cooper had a little more experience than Tickle, the two are not far apart. Tickle would join SUFC at a similar stage in his career, knowing he is at a club that can develop players like him.
Sheffield United would also likely have to pay a similar fee, especially given Wigan’s status in League One. It could be a very smart venture for SUFC and a necessary one after their poor summer run.
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