Jaïro Riedewald
I know this is 11, and this one is probably a little beyond our reach, so not of interest, but you never know. Jaïro Riedewald arrived in England with an outstanding pedigree, having emerged through Ajax’s academy before becoming a first-team regular under Frank de Boer and earning senior Netherlands caps at the age of 18. Comfortable as either a defender or defensive midfielder, he spent seven seasons with Crystal Palace in the Premier League before a short spell with Royal Antwerp in Belgium and a return to English football with Sheffield United in 2025. Across his career, he has accumulated experience in the Eredivisie, Premier League, Belgian Pro League and Championship, while also featuring in a Europa League final with Ajax in 2017.
Riedewald’s 2025/26 season with Sheffield United highlighted his composure and tactical flexibility, featuring in midfield, defence and even occasionally on the wing. Across all competitions, he averaged almost 42 passes per 90 with an impressive 88.7 per cent completion rate, while also posting strong defensive numbers through recoveries, interceptions and duel success.
Although not a naturally attacking player, Riedewald’s technical security and positional intelligence made him an effective Championship operator throughout the campaign. There would likely be a disparity in his wage expectation and our wage cap, but you never know.
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