Sheffield United backed over landing 29-y/o on bargain deal - He may fit Chris Wilder's Blades "vision" | OneFootball

Sheffield United have recently offered the Dutch defender a trial

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sheffield United have been eyeing up some new recruits to help fix their current woes - and that includes a former Ajax wonderkid to bolster their defence and midfield options.

The Blades’ horrendous start to the 2025/26 Championship campaign has been well-documented, with their disappointing end to last season seriously impacting their fortunes at the beginning of the new term.

United’s inability to secure promotion last time out saw Chris Wilder relieved of his duties, with Ruben Selles appointed as the man to take them back up to the Premier League.

It’s safe to say the Spaniard failed in that task, as Sheffield United lost the first five matches of a Football League season for just the second time in their history, which was enough to see Selles receive his marching orders.

Wilder was subsequently reappointed for a third spell in charge, but hasn’t been able to rectify the situation at Bramall Lane. Further defeats against Charlton Athletic, Southampton and Hull City highlighted just how much trouble the Blades are really in.

With the Steel City side rooted to the foot of the Championship table after nine matches, Wilder has begun scouring the free agent market for some fresh blood.

Sheffield United backed over Jairo Riedewald as short-term contract agreed

The Sheffield Star recently reported that the Blades were looking to add to their recent free agent acquisitions of Ben Mee and Danny Ings with a move for Jairo Riedewald.

And it has since been confirmed that the versatile Netherlands defender/midfielder has signed a short-term contract with the South Yorkshire outfit until January.

Riedewald, 29, came through Ajax’s illustrious academy system and was capped by the Netherlands at the age of 18, before enjoying stints with Crystal Palace and Royal Antwerp, before ending up unemployed this summer.

The Dutchman could be recruited for the left centre-back, which could lead to questions over the future of some of United’s large defensive crop, but he's equally adept playing in midfield too.

However, Football League World’s Sheffield United fan pundit, Jimmy - AKA Blades Ramble - believes that signing Riedewald is a smart move from the Steel City side.

“We’ve got to remember these aren't Chris Wilder’s signings and now that he's in charge, he may have a different vision for the team,” Jimmy told FLW.

“Ben Mee is currently our left centre-back and doing a good job, it has to be said, but at his age, can we rely on him for another 40 games this season?

“I'm not entirely sure. Maybe it's a rotation thing, maybe it's looking a little bit longer term.

“So, I think it'd be a smart signing, he does like a balance. Certainly, when we've got a back three, he wants a left centre-back and that's understandable.

“It doesn't surprise me at all, and I think it'd be quite a shrewd signing.

"He was really well thought of at one stage at Palace, so I think it could be quite a decent get for Sheffield United.”

Signing Jairo Riedewald could be a sensible roll of the dice for Sheffield United

Although signing Riedewald adds another central defender to Sheffield United’s already overwhelmed backline, the Blades don’t have many options left at this point.

As the season drags further on, the Steel City side’s results no longer seem to be a blip and instead a sign of their actual competitiveness.

United have conceded 16 goals in their first nine league matches, a total which is only worsened by Sheffield Wednesday’s total of 20.

Therefore, Wilder and co have nothing to lose by taking a punt on a free agent in the form of Riedewald, although you'd have to question as to what his fitness levels are like - and when he will be ready to step into the team and try and make an impact.