Sheffield United man opens up on 'stressful negotiations'

Latest Sheffield United signing Ivo Grbic has recently opened up about the “stressful” negotiation period he endured before the move became official.

Grbic, 28, had enjoyed serving as Atletico Madrid’s back-up goalkeeper for the last two years, behind one of the world’s best shot-stopper’s Jan Oblak. Nonetheless, the Croatian, Grbic, has revealed that the Spanish club were reluctant to let him leave in the January transfer window.

Speaking to Večernji List he said: “It was a very difficult situation in Atletico Madrid. They didn’t want to let me go and that negotiation was very stressful. “After arriving in England, I had several days of medical examinations. I had some kind of problem, but later, during additional examinations in London, they found that everything was fine. It turned out that I got over a strong virus. Later I spent a few days dealing with visa issues.” Grbic is viewed as United’s long-term number one as Wes Foderingham has been reluctant to sign a new deal as free agency looms large for the 33-year-old. Unfortunately, the Croatian has not had the best of starts to his Sheffield United career. After letting in five goals on his short-notice debut in the FA Cup against Brighton, Grbic was handed his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace before being forced off due to a head injury. Despite conceding 14 goals in the four games he has participated in so far, Chris Wilder has publicly backed his goalkeeper in front of the media, as he puts faith in Grbic long-term.