Former Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford has found a new home at Sheffield United, and in Chris Wilder, he has found a manager who has been prepared to trust him this season. The striker left Leeds under acrimonious circumstances after Daniel Farke banished him from the first-team squad during pre-season, and his contract was terminated towards the end of last summer to let him leave on a free transfer. Bamford had offers from the MLS and Spain, but he eventually decided to join Sheffield United last month on a contract until the end of December.
However, Wilder is a fan of the veteran striker and wants the club to offer him a longer deal soon. The Sheffield United manager is also targeting signing one of Bamford’s former Leeds teammates in January. Chris Wilder wants to sign former Leeds United star Joe Rothwell in January. Joe Rothwell spent last season on loan at Leeds and played an instrumental role in earning promotion to the Premier League for the Whites. However, Leeds decided against signing him on a permanent deal. He ended up joining Rangers from Bournemouth in the last summer transfer window.
The 30-year-old has struggled to settle at Rangers, and since the arrival of the new manager, Danny Rohl, he has become a peripheral figure in the squad. He has not played a league game since October, and it has been claimed that Rangers are open to offers to let him go in the winter transfer window. According to Glasgow World, Sheffield United has emerged as favorites to sign the former Leeds and Blackburn midfielder in January.
Wilder wants to add experience to his squad in the winter window, and Rothwell has been identified as a top target for the club for the upcoming window. He has a wealth of experience playing in the Championship for Leeds, Blackburn, Blackpool, and Southampton, and would welcome a return to England.
Rothwell is a very good Championship player. He was not one of the marquee signings Leeds made after they missed out on promotion at the end of the 2023/24 season. He was brought in for his experience, and the midfielder proved valuable. Leeds amassed 100 points on their way to getting promoted to the Premier League.
The calmness he brought to the midfield in tough games at home and his set-piece deliveries proved crucial for Daniel Farke and his team last season. However, a decision was made that he would not be signed on a permanent deal in the summer. He was not seen as someone who would excel in the Premier League. But the 30-year-old could prove a shrewd piece of business for Sheffield United. They need experience in the middle of the park to have any hope of making the playoffs this season.
Wilder would want to believe that he can get the best out of the experienced midfielder. He is struggling in Scotland and would welcome a return to England. Rangers are open to doing a deal, and Sheffield United is prepared to bring Rothwell back to a league where he has previously excelled.
In sum, the potential signings of Bamford and Rothwell at Sheffield United under Wilder’s management showcase the club’s determination to strengthen the squad with experienced players and push for success in the ongoing season. The addition of these former Leeds teammates could provide a significant boost to the team’s ambitions and enhance their competitiveness in the league.
