Chris Wilder reveals when Patrick Bamford will leave Sheffield United if no action is taken | OneFootball

The Blades boss has revealed when the prolific striker's short-term contract runs out

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has revealed that Patrick Bamford's contract expires after their FA Cup third round tie against Mansfield Town.

The 32-year-old signed a short-term deal with the Blades in November and has been a key part of the side since, scoring five goals in as many starts during his time at Bramall Lane.

Questions have been floating around about the future of the former Leeds United and Middlesbrough frontman, especially since fellow short-term arrival Jairo Riedewald agreed an extension until the end of the current campaign earlier this month.

However, Wilder has confirmed to the Sheffield Star that the striker's deal is up following the cup tie on January 11th against their League One opponents.

Chris Wilder reveals details surrounding Patrick Bamford's short-term contract

According to the Sheffield Star, Chris Wilder has stated that Bamford's contract is set to be up in three games' time, following their first FA Cup matchup of the campaign against Mansfield.

Bamford's deal is set to expire in January, but there were questions as to when during the month it would end. Now, speaking following Sheffield United's win at Stoke City on Monday night, the Blades boss has confirmed it.

"Pat's deal expires after the cup game," Wilder said. "Every interview I do, I get asked the question about Pat, which I get and understand.

"I would love him to stop. For me, hopefully, the focus tonight is not what's happening with Pat, but what's happening with the team."

The questions about Bamford possibly following in Reidewald's footsteps and signing an extension are well-warranted, as the 32-year-old has been a standout player for the Blades since he made his debut in the Steel City derby at the end of November.

His five goals in nine appearances have shot him up towards the top of the top scorers chart at Bramall Lane in half the games, and his involvement has coincided with the side moving further away from the bottom three and into the congested mid-table ahead of January.

The Star reports that conversations are ongoing between Bamford and Sheffield United about an extension, but Chris Wilder will at least be able to call on him for home games against Leicester City and Oxford United in league action before the deal ends at the end of the following week.

Patrick Bamford has revived his career at Sheffield United

After a frustrating 2024/25 campaign, where Bamford was left out on the whole by Daniel Farke at Leeds and didn't even start a game in the Championship, the 32-year-old has shown signs of the prolific frontman he was five or so years ago.

There were some question marks when he did sign with Chris Wilder's side, but the short-term risk has definitely paid off, as Bamford seemingly has his confidence back, and the Blades have profited with six wins in nine games as a result.

Now, the focus shifts to whether Sheffield United will be able to keep hold of him past the January 11 expiration date, as his performances would have gotten the attention of some of the sides towards the top end of the Championship.

Those inside Bramall Lane will be hoping that the faith they've put in to help Bamford showcase his quality once again after a few years in the shadows will be repaid with an extension until at least the end of the campaign.

And, with Sheffield United picking up the most points and scoring the most goals in the Championship since the 32-year-old arrived at the club, perhaps his efforts could lead Chris Wilder's side to a play-off push in 2026.