The transfer window does not open until January 1st, but Leeds fans still watched a deal materialise on Thursday as Patrick Bamford joined Sheffield United.
Due to his status as a free agent after departing Elland Road in August, the England international was able to join a new club outside of the transfer window.
It signals a surprise move for Patrick Bamford given his history with Chris Wilder, and on that note, there is a case for this deal genuinely rivalling Carlos Tevez joining Manchester City in terms of absurdity.
Patrick Bamford to Sheffield United is a bizarre move for Leeds United fans to witness
Many people seem to be glossing over just how mind-boggling this transfer truly is.
Wilder began the feud back in the 2018/19 campaign, calling Bamford a “muppet” after the striker and Adam Forshaw tried to put pressure on Sheffield United in the promotion battle.
He said: “The results we’ve had, one defeat in thirteen.
“They’ve got muppets from Leeds talking about pressure on us. Bamford and Forshaw and a couple of others, and it’s over to you and this, that and the other.
“They’ve been beaten seven times since Christmas, we’ve been beaten once. We’ve set it up from Christmas to be in the race and steamrolled it.”
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The spat reared its ugly head last season after Leeds beat Sheffield United to automatic promotion.
Bamford – who spent time at Coventry lately – was memorably filmed starting a derogatory chant against the Blades boss, singing “Wilder is a w*****” as players and fans celebrated promotion.
Not only that, but Sheffield United even opted to sack the 58-year-old in June as Ruben Selles arrived in his place.
Chris Wilder ahead of Sheffield United's game against Bristol City.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
The Spaniard was swiftly handed his P45 after just three months having lost the first six Championship games of the season, and Wilder was promptly rehired in September.
For the Sheffield United boss to now find himself 22nd in the Championship and having to reach out to Bamford for help – the very man who publicly insulted him – makes this transfer one of the most remarkable moves in recent history.
How does Patrick Bamford to Sheffield United compare to Manchester City signing Carlos Tevez?
As aforesaid, this deal rivals Tevez’s move to the Etihad Stadium back in July 2009 in terms of shock factor.
Despite spending two years on loan at Manchester United, the Argentine famously rejected the offer of a five-year deal to instead join bitter rivals Manchester City in a £25.5m move.
It sent shockwaves through English football and kickstarted a new era for the Citizens, who have since outclassed Manchester United emphatically with seven Premier League titles since 2012, compared to just one from the Red Devils.
While that was undoubtedly a surprising development, it actually pales in comparison to Bamford now teaming up with Wilder given their colourful history.