Sheffield United 'make contract decision' on ex-Crystal Palace midfielder Jaïro Riedewald
Sheffield United ‘make contract decision’ on experienced midfielder Jaïro Riedewald after Tom Davies exit
Sheffield United will reportedly tie midfielder Jaïro Riedewald down to another year at Bramall Lane.
The 29-year-old made the move to South Yorkshire in October, returning to England over a year on from his Crystal Palace departure.
He joined the Blades after a season in Belgium with Royal Antwerp and has become one of Chris Wilder’s most trusted lieutenants.
The Netherlands-capped midfielder has made 23 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals, and would most likely have more outings on his CV had he not suffered a hamstring injury in January.
Sheffield United ‘make contract decision’
According to The Star, Sheffield United are set to exercise their option to extend Riedewald’s contract by a further 12 months.
The clause was inserted in the contract extension he signed in January, which extended his stay until the end of the current campaign. He had initially joined in October on a short-term deal running until the mid-season window.
The claim has emerged following confirmation that Tom Davies will leave Sheffield United in the summer. A former Premier League midfielder for both the Blades and Everton, the 27-year-old has seen his progress in South Yorkshire hampered by injury.
Why Sheffield United signed Jaïro Riedewald
When Riedewald put pen to paper back in October, Wilder spoke glowingly about the experienced operator.
He said: “There were six or seven things we looked at from Jai's point of view. One was his availability, two was his experience, three was his quality, four he was at Palace for six or seven years and you don't play at a Premier League club if you're not a good player.
"Another was obviously the injury situation there and another was the inexperience of the department. The seventh was his character which, as you'll understand from my point of view is incredibly important.”