Exclusive:Sheffield United make contract decision over another key man as second major puzzle piece falls into place

Sheffield United will exercise their option to keep Jairo Riedewald at Bramall Lane for another 12 months, The Star understands, as another early piece of Chris Wilder’s Blades puzzle is put in place ahead of a huge summer. United yesterday confirmed that Tom Davies would be released when his contract expires in the summer.

The former Everton man has struggled badly with injuries since arriving in South Yorkshire in 2023 and slipped further down the pecking order last October when the Blades signed ex-Dutch international Riedewald on a free transfer.

Initially the ex-Crystal Palace man signed a short-term deal until January but that was extended until the end of the season, with the deal containing an option in United’s favour which would trigger an automatic 12-month extension.

And barring any spectacularly unforseen events, the Blades are set to take that up after being impressed by the midfielder’s impact at United, despite not starting United’s last two games against Bristol City and Hull City. He came off the bench in the latter game and was namechecked by Wilder in his post-match interviews as having driven United towards a turnaround victory.

Sheffield United make contract decision over another key man as second major puzzle piece falls into place

He even finished that game at centre-half after Mark McGuinness was replaced by eventual matchwinner Danny Ings - who is also out of contract in the summer - late on. Although there is an acceptance that his fitness level is not where United need it to be, having been without a club in pre-season, there is no doubting his importance to the United cause.

In fact, two-thirds of the goals United conceded in the last five games he has started have come when he was withdrawn, highlighting his importance to the United unit. The Blades also have Joe Rothwell under contract for at least another year after bringing him in January.

United hope to keep hold of youngsters Sydie Peck and Oliver Arblaster ahead of the new campaign and are, as we revealed recently, hopeful another deal can be struck with Manchester City which would see Kalvin Phillips return to Bramall Lane on loan.

That would leave Wilder’s central midfield all but sorted, enabling him to place his focus on the other areas of the pitch badly needing surgery after a desperately disappointing campaign this time around.

"As a professional, you always want to be available,” Riedewald said in a recent interview, after making his return from a hamstring issue. “That's the minimum you want to do, so it's good to be back.

“You put so much work into staying fit and staying ready for the next games and training sessions, so then to be injured with a strain is unfortunate. It's the worst feeling for a professional athlete. I'm happy to be back and happy to be getting the minutes.”

"Every game is a chance to win. If it's not for the ultimate goal which we were looking for at the start of the season, it's for yourself, for the club and the fans. To wear this shirt, you have to wear it with pride, and you always have to aim for a win, especially in the Championship.

“That's what we're going to do. Wear this shirt with pride and try to get as many wins as possible. It's for the club as well. You owe that to the club. You owe it to the fans because they've been standing behind you singing your name and singing during the games and travelling for away games, even though we were not getting the results that we wanted sometimes.”