Exclusive:Sheffield United line up sensational Jairo Riedewald transfer return after shock Bramall Lane decision
Jairo Riedewald was one of the biggest surprises on Sheffield United's retained list this summer, but the Blades are now exploring the possibility of a remarkable return after all.
Sheffield United are considering a sensational U-turn on their U-turn over Jairo Riedewald’s future, The Star can reveal today. The Dutch midfielder was widely expected to remain at Bramall Lane past the expiry of his contract this summer.
But he was a shock inclusion on the Blades’ released list instead, despite all indications pointing towards the fact that his extension would be triggered to keep him in South Yorkshire. The understanding is that even Riedewald was caught by surprise.
The reasoning behind the early decision was to give him clarity on his future and the chance to explore other options if they arose. But we have now been told that United are looking to bring him back to Bramall Lane this summer.
News of his impending departure was heavily debated amongst Unitedites, after he signed as a free agent in November and became one of the most important parts of Chris Wilder’s Blades revival after their horror season start.
The noise coming out of the Lane at the time of the decision was that Riedewald’s departure had cleared the way for a Kalvin Phillips return, with United understood to be in negotiations with City over bringing back the former England international next season.
The Riedewald news also comes amidst speculation about the future of fellow midfielder Sydie Peck, whose apparent absence from a first-day training video posted by United yesterday set tongues wagging amid interest from West Ham United.
Peck is currently one of only three specialist central midfielders on United’s books, alongside fellow academy graduate Oliver Arblaster and the experienced Joe Rothwell. Jamie Shackleton can also play in the middle when fit.
The hope is that whoever joins them at United - be it Phillips, Riedewald or both - will arrive early enough in pre-season to feel the benefit, with both suffering fitness frustration last season whilst at Bramall Lane.