Sheffield United told to take contract action - he's "become a key player" for Chris Wilder | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit has given his verdict on Tom Davies' contract situation

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…

Tom Davies is proving an important player for Sheffield United since his return from injury in September.

The midfielder went straight back into the starting lineup for the Blades’ defeat to Southampton, despite missing pre-season due to a fitness issue.

While he was only a substitute in their loss to Hull City a few days later, it’s clear that Chris Wilder wants him back in the side as much as he can manage at this stage.

However, the 27-year-old is out of contract at the end of the campaign, leading to questions over his long-term future at Bramall Lane.

Davies joined Sheffield United from Everton in 2023, but injury issues have led to him being in and out of the side in the years since his arrival from the Merseyside outfit.

Tom Davies’ importance to Sheffield United

When asked if the club should look to renew Davies, FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy claimed that it’s damning how important he is now given his fitness concerns.

He praised the midfielder’s leadership qualities, and suggested that as long as he can remain healthy and in the side, then the club absolutely must do everything in order to keep him beyond this season.

“In what is a sad indictment as to Sheffield United’s current plight, Tom Davies has come back from a long-term injury — and this is no slight on him as a player at all — but he’s come back from a long-term injury straight in and become a key player,” Jimmy told Football League World.

“He can’t yet play 90 minutes, but he’s done really well in the limited minutes he’s had since his return.

“So, on this current evidence, absolutely he should be offered a new deal.

“He’s one of the few that has stood up to be counted in this poor period that we’re in at the moment.

“He’s a leader on the pitch, which is something we’ve not got many of, so I do think someone like Tom Davies [should be kept].

“Obviously, the big question mark about Tom Davies has always been his fitness, so certainly if he can stay fit and prove his fitness for the rest of the season, and I think that’s ultimately be how it’s monitored.

“But in terms of is he good enough to play for Sheffield United? I think a fit Tom Davies is a starter for us currently.

“So, yes, I would be offering him a new deal if we get half a chance.”

Sheffield United’s struggles in 2025/26

Sheffield United have struggled for form so far this season, with the team only winning one of their opening nine fixtures in the Championship.

The Blades began the season with Ruben Selles in charge, but quickly moved to bring Wilder back after just five games of the campaign, all of which were defeats.

The Yorkshire outfit are bottom of the table during this international break, having earned only three points from a possible 27.

Up next for Sheffield United is a home clash against Watford on 18 October in a 3pm kick-off.

Tom Davies renewal makes sense if he stays fit

If Davies can manage to stay fit, then keeping him beyond this season makes complete sense given how important he seems now to Wilder’s squad.

Losing him as a free agent would be a blow, but also it would be hard to justify keeping him if he only ends up making a handful of appearances.

When he does play, it’s clear that he has a role in the side and will be quite useful for Wilder this year, but the concerns over his availability mean any decision will likely have to wait.

Davies may also want to keep his options open if Sheffield United continue to struggle and the club’s status in the Championship actually becomes at risk.