Sheffield United confirm Patrick Bamford signing to address Chris Wilder's tactical concern — Yorkshire Post 13/11/25

By Stuart Rayner

Sheffield United have completed the short-term signing of Patrick Bamford.

The 32-year-old striker has been a free agent since he was released by Leeds United in the summer after seven seasons at Elland Road, during which time he scored 60 goals.

Bamford's last competitive start was against another of his former clubs, Middlesbrough, in an August 2024 League Cup tie so the Blades may have to be patient with his fitness, but manager Chris Wilder has voiced his frustration at the absence of a centre-forward who can hold the ball up in his squad.

"Kieffer wanted to go and the new manager didn't feel he was part of the plan," said Wilder. "But I would have always been looking for a No 9."

Tyrese Campbell has started every league game bar one this season, when he was a 61st-minute substitute at Blackburn Rovers.

The Blades also have Danny Ings, Tom Cannon, powerful youngster Ryan One and Louie Barry, who usually operates as a wide attacker.

But last season Wilder had the option of Kieffer Moore when the team needed to go more direct and he was unhappy that when he picked the squad back up after the six-game reign of Ruben Selles, the Welshman had been sold to Wrexham and not replaced.

Bamford have had their moments in the past when they have traded insults after their respective teams won promotions at the other's expense, but both seem to understand not to take too seriously what was said in jest at moments of great emotion and clearly neither saw it as a barrier to working with the other.

Bamford, who won his only England cap in 2021, has signed a contract until January, at which point the Blades will be able to shop around for a new striker, or offer him an extension.

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