Why George Baldock’s new contract is a step in the right direction for Sheffield United
Sky Sports confirmed that George Baldock has signed a new contract with Sheffield United. The full-back has signed a deal that runs until 2024. His previous contract was signed in 2019 and set to expire in 2022.
Profile
George Baldock is a 27-year-old English defender who plays for Sheffield United. He started his youth career at Milton Keynes Dons in 2009. In the first few seasons, he struggled to get first-team action. Hence, he was sent on loan to Northampton, Tamworth and IBV Vestmannaeyjar in the 2011-12 season.
Another loan spell to Tamworth followed in 2012. He returned for the next season and this time, he got a lot of game time at MK Dons. However, he was again sent on loan, now to Oxford United for 2 seasons. He played the full 2016-17 season at MK Dons after returning. In total, he played 125 games for MK Dons, scored twice and assisted eight times (source – Transfermarkt).
He joined Sheffield United in a permanent transfer in 2017. Since then, he has been an indispensable part of the Blades’ side and was a part of the side that secured promotion to the Premier League. He also impressed in their first season back in the top-flight. Baldock hasn’t featured for England at any level so far.
Sheffield United have done the right thing by renewing Baldock’s contract
George Baldock has been with Sheffield United and Chris Wilder since their Championship days. Joining the club in 2017, he stuck with them during those years and it paid off in 2019 when they were promoted to the Premier League. Even in their first season in the top-flight in over a decade, the Blades impressed one and all with their unorthodox brand of football. Baldock was one of the players who played a huge part in their 9th place finish last season.
Despite Sheffield struggling to get out of the bottom of the table, Baldock has featured in all of those 11 games so far. Over the last three and a half seasons, Baldock has shown immense commitment to the club’s cause. He has not missed one single league game for them, playing every minute of every game since last season.
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While he may not have been able to contribute much in terms of goals or assists, it can be put down Sheffield playing a tactic that involves their centre-backs running up the field, requiring the full-backs to stay in their own half. His renewal was a very important thing as he is one of their experienced players. They will need such players to step up if they are to survive relegation this season.
