Should Sheffield United sign Henrik Falchener? | OneFootball

The latest rumour to emerge sees Sheffield United linked with a young Norwegian defender. His name is Henrik Falchener.

According to ontheminute, the Blades and Middlesbrough are looking at the 22-year-old.

The rumour is in the early stages, but should it come to fruition. Should Sheffield United sign Henrik Falchener?

Who is Henrik Falchener?

Falchener, a centre-back, played his first professional season in 2020. He made his Eliteserien debut playing for Sandefjord. In 2021, he made his first start for Sandefjord. These were his only two appearances for Sandefjord.

It was during 2020 and 2021 that he made his youth international appearances. He played four times for Norway’s U17s and three times for the U18s.

Falchener left for Eagle-Horten in 2022. This was where he began to make his break through season in Norwegian football. He made 17 appearances in the PostNord-Ligaen adding two goals to his tally. With his new side finishing 8th in the league.

In 2023, Eagle-Horton finished 7th in the second division. Their slight progress linked with Falchener’s. He played 24 league games adding another goal to his tally. In 2024, he left the club on a free transfer.

In 2024, Falchener joined 1.divisjon side Egersund. Falchener played 29 games and one in the cup getting one league goal.

From here he would make the leap back into the Eliteserien.

Becoming a Viking

Joining in January 2025, Falchener hit the ground running at Viking. With surface level stats of three goals in 13 games as a centre-back. His shooting stats placing him in the highest percentiles of any centre-back in the division.

In recent years, as much as the Blades love a fierce tackle, the ball-playing defender has taken off.

Falchener ended his thirteen games with 91.1% pass accuracy and a solid 62.5% long ball accuracy. He even created 3 chances placing him in the 71st percentile for league centre-backs.

Defensively, he won 75% of his tackles and 62.2% of his aerial duels. He completed 39 recoveries and two passes into the final third.

He has been vital for Viking so far with their season just underway. His side are currently nine points clear of second-placed Brann.

He’s also received a FotMob number of 7.4. Of the 13 he has played this year. Falchener started all 13.

What could he offer Sheffield United

Falchener is young and coming off a period of incredible form at Viking. He has worked to grow through the ranks quickly. Starting at Sandefjord and then taking the step back to the lower divisions. With it all paying off with him signing on at Viking.

From his stats it is clear that he’s a comfortable ball playing defender who pitches in with goals for the team. In many ways he seems similar to Anel Ahmedhodzic.

This season’s Viking team have lost just one game and conceded only 16 goals. It’s important he brings the hunger for limiting goals with him should he arrive at Bramall Lane. As the Blades need to keep last season’s early clean sheet pride going into next season. As it proved essential for Burnley’s automatic promotion.

Falchener is 6 foot 4, just slightly smaller than current Blades centre-back Anel Ahmedhodzic. It makes him quite a lot taller than Captain Jack Robinson. It is important for the Blades to establish an aerial threat this season. As last season, the giant Harry Souttar proved effective in providing the Blades with physical dominance. Additionally, Falchener’s ability to score goals and Harrison Burrows crosses could be a deadly combination for opposition penalty areas.

A concern should he join the Blades is his current CV. Falchener has jumped around and if he continues his current trajectory he may be quick to leave. Although, outside of a bidding war with Middlesbrough, the Blades should be able to get him fairly cheap. Given there is often better value in Scandinavian leagues compared to in England. If the fee is relatively cheap and his time at the Lane works out. The potential signing of Falchener could be perfect for profit.

Summary

Ultimately, Falchener looks like a brilliant young player who could be excellent for Sheffield United. The main issue for him is that he isn’t proven at the level. But to have played for Viking is no small feat. Especially, as he has played all of their games so far. At 22, he is the right age for the Blades in terms of how the new recruitment system seems to be working.

He is a young prospect with some experience to his name. A player who could be developed for the Blades either as a long-term player or as profit. To answer should the Blades sign him, his impressive Viking form makes it look a no brainer. It suggests the Blades should sign him. But with the caveat that an experienced proven Championship defender comes in. With the aim of making Falchener’s transition into the English leagues smoother.