Jairo Riedewald was one of the biggest surprises on Sheffield United’s retained list this summer, when it was revealed he would be leaving at the conclusion of the season.

The 29-year-old was the first short-term newcomer at Bramall Lane in the 2025/26 season since Chris Wilder’s return, as the popular veteran manager sought to clean up the mess left by Sheffield United’s previous summer with some short-term remedies.

Under Ruben Selles, the Blades had lost all six games in all competitions, and the roster included a number of inexperienced young players. Wilder now had a former Dutch international to provide mettle to his midfield.

Sheffield United’s strong run to pull themselves out of the relegation zone in the final few months of 2025 coincided with Riedewald’s involvement in the side, and it was expected that the 29-year-old would extend his stay at the end of the season, with reports following the final day confirming that.

As a result, it was somewhat surprising to see Riedewald’s name among the released players on the retained list. Many believed that with a complete preseason at Shirecliffe, he could be one of the division’s best engine room operators next season.

Sheffield United will make a contract U-turn on Jairo Riedewald this summer.

In another twist, Sheffield United appears to be considering bringing Riedewald back to Bramall Lane this summer, according to a recent Sheffield Star article.

When his departure was announced in mid-May, it was thought that it would pave the way for Kalvin Phillips to return to the Blades ahead of next season, after his loan term was cut short last year due to injury.

Manchester City are still in advanced talks with Sheffield United about a deal for Phillips, but it does not appear to be a one-or-the-other situation.

According to the Star, the decision not to extend his contract at the earliest possible time this summer allowed Riedewald to investigate alternative options and gain clarity on how Sheffield United felt about his future.

However, with reports that the Blades may need to replace Sydie Peck soon, after he was expected to be absent from the squad’s return to pre-season on Wednesday, it appears like Sheffield United are aiming to reverse their initial U-turn from last month.

This summer, Peck has been connected with Premier League clubs Brentford and Nottingham Forest, as well as West Ham United, and his departure would leave Oliver Arblaster and Joe Rothwell as the club’s sole specialist central midfielders, pending any new acquisitions.

How Sheffield United fans respond to the latest Jairo Riedewald contract news.

The decision not to extend Riedewald’s contract last month sparked heated controversy among Sheffield United fans. As a result, it’s unsurprising that news of the prospective U-turn has polarised opinion.

Fans anticipate the Dutchman’s return, since he had a significant impact on the team’s success when he was healthy and available.”Best mid in the league back,” one fan quote-tweeted after the Star broke the news on X. “If we can get him fit, I’d prefer Jairo over Kalvin. “The best player at this level,” another said.

Unfortunately, the majority of Blades fans online perceive this news as yet another reason to regard the club as a joke due to the way it is now operated.

The decision to transfer Andre Brooks to Norwich City for a good eight-figure amount was not popular, and this one, while the proper one in many eyes, has not been warmly received.One fan commented, “Should tell us where to go; feel like we treated him poorly by indicating he would stay and then changing our minds.””We have to do everything in the most complicated way possible, but at least we’re doing the right thing now,” added another.

Ultimately, there’s no doubt that having Riedewald in the ranks at Bramall Lane is a positive ahead of a vital season for Sheffield United, but the general consensus is that a contract extension should have been provided far sooner than it appears to be.