Blades break transfer record to sign Norway's Berge

London (AFP) – Sheffield United announced Thursday that they had broken their club transfer record to sign Norway midfielder Sander Berge from Genk.

The 21-year-old joins the Premier League club from the Belgian champions for a fee that surpasses the £20 million ($26 million, 24 million euros) the Blades paid for Oli McBurnie in pre-season, although neither club revealed the transfer fee.

“United have once again smashed the club’s transfer record to secure the services of a highly-rated Norwegian international midfielder on a long-term contract,” The Blades said in a statement.

Berge has signed a four-and-a-half year contract.

“The board have really backed us in this window to bring in players of the quality of Sander. He fits the bill in so many ways,” said United coach Chris Wilder.

“He’s a Norwegian international who has played 20 times for his country, he’s also played Champions League football and we’re delighted he has decided to come to Bramall Lane.”

Sheffield United are currently an impressive eighth in the Premier League table, having only been promoted to English football’s top flight last season.