Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has stated that Patrick Bamford’s contract will end following their FA Cup third-round clash against Mansfield Town.

The 32-year-old joined the Blades on a short-term deal in November and has since been an important member of the squad, scoring five goals in as many games.

Questions have been raised regarding the former Leeds United and Middlesbrough striker’s future, especially since fellow short-term signing Jairo Riedewald agreed to a contract extension until the conclusion of the current season earlier this month.

However, Wilder has confirmed to the Sheffield Star that the striker’s contract will expire after the cup match against League One opponents on January 11th.

Chris Wilder gives details about Patrick Bamford’s short-term deal.

According to the Sheffield Star, Chris Wilder has confirmed that Bamford’s contract would expire three games after their opening FA Cup encounter of the season against Mansfield.

Bamford’s contract is supposed to expire in January, but there have been uncertainties about when it would finish. Following Sheffield United’s victory over Stoke City on Monday night, the Blades manager confirmed it.

“Pat’s contract expires after the Cup game,” Wilder explained. “Every interview I give, I’m asked about Pat, which I understand.

“I’d love for him to quit. For me, ideally, the attention tonight will be on the team rather than Pat.”

The speculation that Bamford will follow in Reidewald’s footsteps and sign an extension is well-founded, as the 32-year-old has been an outstanding player for the Blades since making his debut in the Steel City Derby at the end of November.

His five goals in nine appearances have propelled him to the top of the top scorers chart at Bramall Lane in half the games, and his presence has coincided with the club’s progress out from the bottom three and into the congested mid-table ahead of January.

According to the Star, talks between Bamford and Sheffield United regarding an extension are underway, although Chris Wilder will be able to call on him for league games at home against Leicester City and Oxford United before the contract expires at the end of the next week.

Patrick Bamford has restarted his career with Sheffield United.

After a miserable 2024/25 season in which Bamford was mostly ignored by Daniel Farke at Leeds and did not start a single Championship game, the 32-year-old has shown glimpses of resembling the prolific frontman he was five years ago.

There were some doubts when he signed with Chris Wilder’s team, but the short-term risk has clearly paid off, as Bamford appears to have regained his confidence, and the Blades have benefited with six wins in nine games as a result.

The question now is whether Sheffield United will be able to keep him until his contract expires on January 11, as his performances would have piqued the interest of some of the Championship’s elite clubs.

Those inside Bramall Lane will be hopeful that the faith they have shown in helping Bamford re-establish his quality after a few years in the shadows will be rewarded with a contract extension until at least the end of the season.

And, with Sheffield United racking up the most points and goals in the Championship since the 32-year-old joined the club, his efforts may propel Chris Wilder’s side to a play-off challenge in 2026.