Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder “wouldn’t be surprised at all” if Jairo Riedewald stays beyond his current contract, which runs until January.
Sheffield United signed Dutch free agent Jairo Riedewald earlier this month, bringing him in as a new defensive-minded presence in the middle of the park.
The 29-year-old, formerly of Crystal Palace, was without a club after his deal at Royal Antwerp expired in the summer. With the games coming thick and fast, Riedewald has already made three appearances for SUFC.
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
His experience and quick break into the team have led to inevitable questions of a potential contract extension beyond its current December 31st expiry date. And, speaking to The Star, Blades boss Chris Wilder played up the chances of Riedewald staying for longer.
“He’s somebody who’s really good from an experience point of view, to be available,” Wilder said after issuing high praise of Riedewald’s impact.
“So if this turns into a longer deal, I wouldn’t be at all surprised. He’s enjoyed his first few weeks at the football club, and hopefully we can have a longer association with the boy.”
Hard to argue against Jairo Riedewald staying at Sheffield United
Signing a free agent mid-season can come with risks – the main one being fitness issues. Many free agents require time to get up to speed before they can be considered for selection.
However, Riedewald arrived in a good place physically, and it has allowed him to come straight into the Sheffield United fray.
The 29-year-old has filled the gap left by Vini Souza’s Wolfsburg move in coming in as a physical, defensive-minded midfielder. It was a profile Wilder’s squad was missing, and his ability to drop into more defensive roles at left-back and centre-back won’t go amiss either.
Providing Riedewald can stay fit and on the right track, few will argue against extending his stay at Bramall Lane until the end of the season at least. And, with Wilder very open to doing so, all signs point towards an extended contract.
Jairo Riedewald’s battle for a Sheffield United starting berth
Sheffield United’s central midfield options
Riedewald came off the bench in the wins over Watford and Blackburn Rovers. He was then named in the Sheffield United XI from the off against Preston North End, starting alongside Sydie Peck.
There was some surprise over that selection given the performances of Djibril Soumare in the weeks prior. It seems to be that those two will battle it out for a place alongside Peck, though Alex Matos will be eager to show he can have an impact as well.
Riedewald does seem well-placed to claim the starting spot, but Soumare has grown into the team and Championship football. As a younger player, his development should be viewed as key.
Oliver Arblaster’s return to the equation once fit will give Wilder a real headache. It could be that he and Riedewald emerge as the go-to pairing for SUFC’s push up the Championship table.