Sheffield United hailed after Source reveals last-minute Olsen dilemma – Kenny
Sheffield United made the right choice to sign Robin Olsen after a last-minute transfer dilemma.
So says Blades icon Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after United confirmed the loan capture of the 31-year-old Swedish keeper shortly after the 11.00pm cut-off on 31 August.
He joins from Roma on a season-long loan after spending last season as Jordan Pickford’s deputy at Everton.
A Blades source told this site on deadline day that extensive talks took place over signing Cardiff City number two Alex Smithies.
But United ultimately elected to swoop for Olsen to fill the void left after Aaron Ramsdale’s departure to Arsenal earlier in the window.
And Olsen’s experience, as well as his commanding approach between the sticks, means United have made the right choice, insists Kenny.
“I think they’ve got this one right,” he told Football Insider correspondent Adam Willians.
“They have both got experience, but Smithies isn’t the tallest for a goalkeeper. Olsen is very tall so he gives you that presence.
“He’s a class goalkeeper. He’s been at big clubs, played in big games, played a lot of games for his country.
“I think it’s good that they’ve gone for an experienced keeper. Hopefully, he can be big, strong and dominant and be that presence they’ve missed so far.
“If you have a vocal keeper, he’s going to command his box and sort his defence out as well.”
United are winless in their opening five Championship matches under new boss Slavisa Jokanovic.
Olsen could make his debut against Peterborough on 11 September after the international break.
In other news, pundit claims Sheffield United loanee Connor Hourihane is “done” at parent club Aston Villa after Instagram reveal.