Sheff Utd sign goalkeeper Grbic from Atletico Madrid

Sheffield United have signed their second player of the January transfer window as they bring in goalkeeper Ivo Grbic from Atletico Madrid.

The 6 ft 5 in Croatian 'keeper signs a contract until 2027 and could be in Sheff Utd's squad for their fourth-round FA Cup tie with Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

"My first impressions of the club are very good," Grbic told the club's official website.

"Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome I have received, I am really happy to be here. It is a big thing for every player to move to the Premier League and I am delighted to join Sheffield United.

"This is the best challenge for me. I'm sure it will be an amazing experience and it will be fun to play in front of our fans and I want to be involved as soon as possible.

"I've played in some good leagues in France and Spain, and played in the Champions League with Lille and played 15 or 16 games for Atletico last season which is a big club. I know I am ready now for this challenge."

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Atletico goalkeeper signs

"There has been an enthusiasm to tie down a goalkeeper to a long-term deal," Sheff Utd manager Chris Wilder said.

"We have done our homework on Ivo and we believe he can be an important member of our squad. We are looking forward to working with him."

Grbic, born in Split, Croatia, joined the Hajduk Split academy at the age of nine and remained there for most of his youth career and made his debut for the club against Rijeka.

He then left the club to join Lokomotiva in the summer of 2018 and made 71 appearances for them.

Grbic then joined Atletico in August 2020, signing a four-year contract with the Spanish club, but left in 2021/22 on loan to Ligue 1 side Lille.

Last season the Croatian goalkeeper made 12 appearances in all competitions for Atletico and was an unused substitute during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

After their FA Cup match with Brighton, Sheff Utd take on Crystal Palace on Tuesday 30 January.