Wilder Willing to Extend Bamford Deal as Ipswich Lurk
Short-Term Patrick Bamford Deal Set for Extension Despite Championship Interest
It feels as if it was only yesterday that Patrick Bamford joined Sheffield United on a short-term deal to help address their worrying lack of goals. With the move came a number of videos of his time at Leeds, as well as a clip of him calling Wilder a “w*****”.
It was a strange enough scenario already, but it seems another chapter is yet to be written. Bamford’s short-term deal runs out after today’s match-up with Mansfield Town, and although Wilder has been impressed with the Englishman’s form, he is at risk of losing control of the situation, with Ipswich Town poised to make a move.
New update emerges on Patrick Bamford situation at Sheffield United as Ipswich Town lurk 👇https://t.co/7mc0wzbusj#ITFC #SUFC #TwitterBlades
— Football League World (@FootballLeagueW) January 11, 2026
However, it seems that despite outside interest, Bamford is more likely to stay than to go, with talks for a new contract until the end of the season in the works as we speak.
Back with a Bang-Ford
Having left Leeds United in the summer upon the expiry of his contract, it seemed as though Bamford was set to spend the remainder of his career in the lower tiers of the English football pyramid. Having failed to score since April 2024, his form didn’t exactly warrant a Championship move.
However, with Sheffield United’s unexpected struggles at the start of the season, despite reaching the play-off final just this past summer, Wilder’s side called out for experienced heads and proven Championship players, boxes that Bamford ticks with flying colours.
Brought to the club in late November on a free transfer, the striker has overseen an excellent turnaround in the Blades' fortunes, scoring five goals in 10 games, and winning seven, 70% of the club's total of 10 this season.
Bamford earned the respect of many for making the transition from free agent to regular starter and goalscorer so seamlessly - it is no easy feat to readjust to the demands of professional football after being out of the game for a while.
However, his successful return to Championship football has seen interest grow, and with his short-term contract at Sheffield United common knowledge, various clubs have been preparing a move for the forward behind the scenes, with Ipswich Town leading the way.
It is no surprise that he is once again the focus of transfer speculation - in peak fitness, Bamford works tirelessly up top, pressing, harrying and making a general nuisance of himself. At 6 ft 1 in, he has the frame of your classic ‘lead the line’ striker, and used this to his advantage while at Leeds United, netting 60 times in 205 appearances for the now-Premier League outfit.
Now 32, and potentially beginning to head towards the twilight of his career, Bamford has shown that there is plenty left in the tank, and his form under Wilder has left the Blades with no choice but to attempt to extend his deal.
Sheffield United are close to an agreement to extend Patrick Bamford's contract. Chris Wilder is understood to be keen to tie down Bamford to an 18-month deal.
— The Bladesman (@The_Bladesman) January 11, 2026
[@dannyhall04]#twitterblades #sufc pic.twitter.com/HHcBiX9fde
As recently as this morning, it has been reported by Danny Hall that Bamford and Sheffield United are close to agreeing to an 18-month contract, one which would render Ipswich’s interest in him invalid.
While we are still waiting on more established sources to confirm the deal, it looks likely that Bamford is set to stay under Wilder’s command. What a turnaround in their relationship together, eh?
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