Former Leeds United striker linked with shock move to Sheffield United | OneFootball

Former Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford has been lined up for a shock move to Sheffield United despite his history with manager Chris Wilder.

According to the Star, United are seriously considering a move for the 32-year-old, who left the Championship winners after his contract expired last summer.

The Blades are in desperate need of a lifeline after their horrendous start to the 2025/26 Championship season, and Wilder believes Bamford could help to reverse the club’s fortunes.

Wilder’s return to Bramall Lane came after Ruben Selles was relieved of his duties, but the experienced manager didn’t get a honeymoon period.

He suffered a 1-0 defeat against Charlton Athletic last weekend, with a last-minute strike from Isaac Olaofe condemning United to their sixth consecutive Championship defeat.

United are seriously struggling at the top end of the pitch. They’ve scored just once in six games,  with Tyrese Campbell getting on the scoresheet in the 4-1 drubbing against Bristol City on opening day.

With goals in painfully short supply, Wilder wants to bolster his attacking options, and Bamford is now firmly on his radar.

Aside from Campbell, Wilder can also call on Tom Cannon and Danny Ings, but he wants a proven finisher to lift the mood in the dressing room, and he believes Bamford could be the man to provide it.

If United complete a deal, it would raise plenty of eyebrows considering the history between Wilder and Bamford.

During United’s 2018/19 promotion push, Bamford was among those caught up in the rivalry between Leeds and the Blades.

Wilder even mentioned him in a tongue-in-cheek celebratory speech, while Bamford later led Leeds fans in a less-than-friendly chant about the Englishman after Leeds’ own promotion.

However, both parties appear to have buried the hatchet. Bamford reportedly called Wilder to apologise later on, and the Blades boss publicly insisted there were no hard feelings.

Bamford has been linked with a move to Major League Soccer, but he could remain in Yorkshire if United decide to act on their interest.