Sheffield United have decision to make on 22-year-old next year when EFL loan ends: Opinion
Sheffield United signed Jamal Baptiste back in November 2024 to boost their U21s squad.
Sheffield United landed the defender just over 12 months ago. SUFC then handed him a new contract back in June.
Image courtesy of: ANDREW BOYERS/REUTERS.
Baptiste, 22, has played twice competitively for the Blades’ first-team to date. The London-born man was given the green light to link up with fellow South Yorkshire outfit Rotherham United on loan in League One in the last transfer window.
The centre-back was given the green light to join the Millers on a temporary basis to get some experience under his belt. He is due to spend the whole season under the guidance of Matt Hamshaw.
He has since made 12 appearances in this campaign, nine of which have come in the league, and he has chipped in with one assist. The player is due to return to Bramall Lane next summer.
Baptiste rose up through the academy at West Ham and was a regular for the Hammers at various different youth levels before going on to feature on two occasions for their senior team. He then left the London Stadium for a new challenge up north with Manchester City and was shipped out to sister club Lommel SK by Pep Guardiola’s side.
Sheffield United have Jamal Baptiste decision to make next year
Sheffield United will be keeping tabs on Baptiste’s progress at Rotherham United. SUFC will have a decision to make on what to do with him next when his time with the Millers comes to an end.
The former England youth international is not really a youngster anymore and needs to be getting regular minutes at this stage of his career. It seems unlikely at this moment in time that he is capable of breaking into the Blades’ starting XI under Chris Wilder.
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
They are well stocked up with more experienced options in his position. These include the likes of Ben Mee, Japhet Tanganga, Mark McGuinness.
Sheffield United also have Nils Zätterström and Dovydas Sasnauskas. Therefore, another departure for Baptiste may well be on the cards for next term.
Jamal Baptiste stats
What now for Sheffield United and Jamal Baptiste?
Sheffield United don’t need to make a concrete decision Baptiste’s situation anytime soon. SUFC will hope he can get some more minutes at Rotherham United.
Portsmouth took a look at him on trial after he left Manchester City, as per The News. However, Pompey didn’t sign him in the end which opened the door for the Blades to swoop in.
Wilder’s men won 3-2 away at Leicester City last time out after goals by Tom Cannon, Jairo Riedewald and Sydie Peck. They are back in action this weekend against Stoke City at home.
