"Decisions" - Jairo Riedewald addresses Sheffield United transfer future amid rival interest, option clarity
Jairo Riedewald addresses Sheffield United transfer future amid rival interest after “decisions to be made” admission
Chris Wilder has already publicly stated his desire to see Jairo Riedewald’s time at Sheffield United continue beyond the expiry of his short-term deal next month - and the man himself has also had his say on his future. A number of clubs at home and abroad are monitoring the 29-year-old’s situation after impressing for the Blades.
He signed a deal until January as a spell as a free agent came to an end earlier this year, with boss Wilder suggesting recently that there was not an automatic mechanism that the Blades could trigger to automatically extend the deal of the former Ajax and Crystal Palace midfielder.
The Blades had to carefully build up the midfielder’s fitness after a spell training at Shirecliffe but he has caught the eye since getting up to top speed, starting all of United’s last three games which brought nine points and only increased belief that their season is not over yet.
But United may need to act decisively if they are to extend the Dutch international’s time at Bramall Lane, with his impressive displays for the Blades of late not going unnoticed elsewhere.
For his part, though, Riedewald is happy in South Yorkshire and has enjoyed mixing with fans in Meadowhall and IKEA in the Steel City. Speaking in a recent interview for United’s matchday programme, Riedewald said: “I like Sheffield.
Jairo Riedewald addresses Sheffield United transfer future amid rival interest after “decisions to be made” admission
“I like the hills and the countryside. That was the first thing I noticed when I made the move. Thankfully I'm not a manual driver! Walking in the city centre and around Meadowhall, the people are so friendly. I've heard ‘Up the Blades' from a lot of people who have recognised me.
"This is a very good group of players, but also as people. I came here as a free agent and was welcomed immediately. It doesn't matter what nationality or age you are; everyone wants to win for each other, and it is a really together football club.
"I signed on the Friday before the Watford game and made my debut the following day. Until the recent international break, the schedule has been hectic, so l've had to get used to recovering quickly whilst trying to build up my match fitness and minutes.
“I had no hesitation joining the project when I came to train and spoke with the manager. The team were struggling at the bottom of the table, but now the outlook is much brighter and we've just got to continue to build on the recent positives and climb the table as quickly as possible.
"I know things happen in football but having been here over a month now, I know we have the capability to climb the table. I'm not being arrogant, but I really believe we can fully turn our fortunes around.
“We've been slightly unlucky with a few results before the last break, conceding some bad goals and not being clinical at the other end, but with the experience we have within the group and the talented players - like Gus [Hamer], who I played with at youth level for Holland - coming back to fitness, the team should only get stronger."
Wilder has already signalled his intention to keep Riedewald and striker Patrick Bamford, another free transfer signing picked up recently, past January in discussions with the Blades hierarchy, including chief executive Stephen Bettis.
Social media speculation about a trigger in Riedewald’s contract has led to confusion amongst the fanbase, despite Wilder’s previous comments, and the player’s admission that he woud be “delighted to talk about” extending also suggests that it would be a conversation rather than an automatic process.
Riedewald added: “I'm 100 per cent open to staying beyond January, but everyone can see it. We have a very big squad. Decisions will have to be made, but I was happy to sign a short-term deal.
“Perhaps it was right for both parties, whilst I proved my fitness and role within the team. Let's get some more points on the board between now and the end of the year and see what happens in January.
"I just want to help the team. If January comes around and we part ways, then I wish the Blades the best of luck for the future. But if they do want to extend, I'd be delighted to talk about doing so. Because Bramall Lane is a fantastic stadium to play your football, and Sheffield is a proper football city."