Sheffield United exploring second transfer U-turn over 29-year-old midfielder | OneFootball

Sheffield United may be bringing Jairo Riedewald back to Bramall Lane this summer

Jairo Riedewald was one of the bigger shocks on Sheffield United's retained list this summer, as it was announced he'd be leaving at the end of the season.

The 29-year-old was the first short-term arrival at Bramall Lane in the 2025/26 campaign following the return of Chris Wilder, as the popular veteran boss looked to mop up the mess that was the previous summer at Sheffield United with some short-term fixes.

The Blades had lost all six of their games in all competitions under Ruben Selles, with numerous inexperienced youngsters in the squad. In Riedewald, Wilder now had a former Dutch international to add some much-needed grit to his midfield.

The strong run that Sheffield United went on to pull themselves away from the relegation zone in the final couple of months of 2025 correlated with Riedewald's involvement in the side, and it was expected that the 29-year-old would be extending his stay at the end of the season, with reports following the final day reaffirming that.

Therefore, when Riedewald's name was amongst the released players on the retained list, it came as quite a surprise. Many felt that a full pre-season at Shirecliffe could see him be one of the better engine room operators in the division next season.

Sheffield United to make contract U-turn on Jairo Riedewald this summer

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However, in another twist to the tale, it looks like Sheffield United are considering bringing Riedewald back to Bramall Lane this summer, according to a recent report from the Sheffield Star.

At the time of the announcement of his departure in mid-May, it was speculated that it would open the door for Kalvin Phillips to return to the Blades ahead of next season, after his loan spell last year was quickly curtailed due to injury.

Manchester City are still in advanced talks with Sheffield United over a move for Phillips, but it doesn't seem like it's a case of one or the other anymore.

The Star states that the decision not to extend his contract at the earliest opportunity this summer was so Riedewald could explore other options and to give him clarity on how Sheffield United felt about his future.

But now, with speculation that the Blades may need to replace Sydie Peck soon, after he was assumed to be absent from the squad's return for pre-season on Wednesday, it looks like Sheffield United are looking to perform a U-turn on their initial U-turn last month.

Peck has been linked with Premier League outfits Brentford and Nottingham Forest alongside West Ham United this summer, and his departure would leave Oliver Arblaster and Joe Rothwell as the club's only specialist central midfielders, pending any additions.

How Sheffield United fans are reacting to fresh Jairo Riedewald contract update

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The decision not to extend Riedewald's contract last month was a hot topic of debate amongst the Sheffield United fanbase. Therefore, it's understandable that the news surrounding the potential U-turn has polarised opinion, too.

Some fans are excited about the possibility of the Dutchman's return, as it was clear the impact he had on the performances when he was fit and available.

"Best mid in the league back," one fan quote-tweeted in response to the Star breaking the news on X. "If we get him fit, I'd rather Jairo than Kalvin. Top player at this level," another said.

Unfortunately, though, the majority of the Blades fanbase online are seeing this news as another reason to see themselves as a bit of a joke-club in terms of how they are currently being run.

The decision to sell Andre Brooks to a Championship rival in Norwich City last week, albeit for a healthy eight-figure fee if all add-ons are completed, wasn't a popular decision, and this one, while the right choice in many eyes, hasn't been taken well, either.

"Should tell us where to go; feel like we treated him poorly, indicating he would be staying and then changing our mind," one fan responded.

"We have to do everything the most complicated way possible, but at least we're doing the right thing now," another said.

Ultimately, there's no doubting that having Riedewald in the ranks at Bramall Lane is a positive ahead of an important campaign for Sheffield United, but the overarching feeling is that a contract extension should have been offered a lot earlier than it reportedly is.