Jaïro Riedewald makes pre-season admission and shares individual Sheffield United target
Jaïro Riedewald is looking forward to what will be his first pre-season campaign as a Sheffield United player.
Midfielder Jaïro Riedewald believes everyone connected with Sheffield United has a clear idea of what improvements must be made this season following his return to Bramall Lane.
The Blades announced on Thursday that the Dutchman had rejoined the club on a one-year deal. He was one of four players released at the end of last season, but United have performed a U-turn to bring him back to S2.
It was originally expected that Riedewald would be staying at the club following the end of last term, meaning his inclusion on the list of players who were to be released at the end of their contracts came as a huge surprise.
It was understood that United moved Riedewald on to free up room in the squad and funds to try and re-sign former loanee Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City. United are believed to retain an interest in Phillips.
Riedewald joined United on a free transfer last October, being drafted in to strengthen manager Chris Wilder’s midfield options. He made 26 appearances for the Blades, establishing himself as a key figure in Wilder’s plans, bringing control and a sense of bite to the engine room.
Collectively, United experienced a difficult campaign last term, finishing an underwhelming 13th following a disastrous start to the season under former boss Rubén Sellés. Understandably, they are keen to mount a promotion push this season and attempt to return to the Premier League at the third time of asking.
With several improvements needed, Riedewald is adamant that a good pre-season can help the Blades start correcting last season’s wrongs.
“I think the challenge is clear,” Riedewald told United’s in-house media. “We know what we need to improve compared to last season, and we know what we need to build on compared to last season.
“We have got a good five or six weeks to make sure that we get everything right, from defending, conceding and scoring goals. Hopefully, we can focus on those details and get it right this season.
“I am very hopeful the team and the club is ready, the fans as well, and we can start working from August.”
Riedewald, who was a popular figure with the supporters last term, was absent for just over a month shortly after Christmas because of a hamstring injury. He is hoping a full pre-season, which kicks off with a trip to The Shay to face Halifax Town this afternoon, will stand him in good stead.
On his personal ambition for the 2026/27 campaign, the midfielder added: “I joined in October so I just want to come out fit and fresh after this pre-season and just be available as much as possible for as long as possible.”