Coventry City man or 6'6" ace can replace Patrick Bamford at Sheffield United | OneFootball

With Patrick Bamford's contract running out this summer, Sheffield United have a decision to make over who will lead their line

Sheffield United have a big decision to make regarding how their frontline will look in the future, come the end of the season, with Patrick Bamford's contract running out.

The former Leeds United striker signed a short-term contract last November and impressed Blades boss Chris Wilder enough to extend that deal back in January until the end of this season.

Since Bamford arrived at Bramall Lane, he's been the talisman for the club. He's netted 16 in 38 games in all competitions and has started all but one of their Championship outings so far this season.

However, the frontman has recently turned 33, and questions will be raised in the summer about whether the Blades, who will want to get back into the Premier League sooner rather than later, should be offering him a new deal or looking elsewhere for someone a bit younger with a higher ceiling.

If Bamford does end up leaving Bramall Lane at the conclusion of his deal, these three players should be earmarked to take over at the top end of the pitch; two of which play elsewhere, while the promotion of a young star should be considered, too.

Ellis Simms

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Ellis Simms is in the final year of the four-year deal he signed with Coventry City back in 2023, and the 25-year-old has been on a real up-and-down journey at the CBS Arena since.

Simms netted 20 in all competitions in his first season and was one of the stars of the Sky Blues' run to the FA Cup semi-finals that year. Then, he had an incredibly difficult time in front of goal in 2024/25 before finding his rhythm again, mainly as a bench option, last season.

Perhaps it's that prolific nature as a substitute which is why Frank Lampard opted to keep the 25-year-old around to begin the new Premier League campaign. Simms started on opening day against Arsenal, before coming off the bench in two of the four subsequent matchups.

However, it's hard to envisage Simms becoming a regular in the Coventry squad in the Premier League, and even if the Sky Blues suffer immediate relegation, they'd still likely look to move the striker on in favour of those already at the club, or even someone else.

If he does leave, he'll be available for free, and with Sheffield United's finances a little tighter than some of their Championship peers, he'd represent a useful pickup to bolster the frontline after Bamford's departure.

Milan Zonneveld

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A left-field option from Europe, Milan Zonneveld has one of the best scoring records in the lower tiers of the Dutch footballing pyramid, and is starting to replicate that in the Eredivisie with Sparta Rotterdam.

The towering 6'6" frontman netted 26 times in the Dutch fourth tier in 2022/23 and then 27 times across the following two years in the third division, earning him a move to top-flight new boys Telstar last summer.

Midway through last season, he signed for Sparta Rotterdam and ended his first season at the level with six league goals and 11 in all competitions, which isn't a bad return given he'd made a jump up two divisions.

This season, Zonneveld has scored four in seven for a Sparta Rotterdam side who have struggled so far, with just one league win all year. Not only has he shown potential to have a breakout year in front of goal, but he's also created more chances than any other striker in the Dutch top flight and has won more duels than any other striker, too, at a decent rate.

A strong, powerful frontman who turns 23 in a week, Zonneveld is someone with a big ceiling in the game, and Sheffield United could prove to be the side to help harness that potential away from his native Holland.

Sheffield United should promote Ryan One next season, too

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Regardless of who Sheffield United look to add to their frontline next summer, if Bamford does leave, their main focus should be on ensuring Ryan One is given an improved role in the side, though.

The Scotsman has only managed two appearances in all competitions due to injury, missing the last month or so with a hamstring problem. He should be fit to return after the international break, though.

When One does come back, all eyes will be on how the 20-year-old fits into this Sheffield United side and what role he will play. Many regard him as the Blades' most exciting prospect, having been around the first team for a couple of years now.

Back in January, he was sent out on loan to League One leaders Lincoln City and played a part in what was an incredible campaign for the Imps. Often it can be difficult to break into a side that is already on a roll, but the youngster made a good impression.

Lincoln didn't lose a game in the 16 he played, winning 13 of them, and he netted five times in just 644 minutes at Sincil Bank. Evidently, he's good enough to play a part in a Championship side, and Blades fans are eager to see what he can do.