Sheffield United have secured the signing of former Leeds United defender Jamie Shackleton on a three-year contract. The 24-year-old, who is also adept in midfield, departed Leeds earlier this summer after declining a new contract offer.
Shackleton made 79 league appearances for Leeds, having risen through their academy ranks. “Jamie had other offers, including the opportunity to stay at Leeds, but made it clear very early on that he wanted to become a Blade and that is important to me,” Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder told the club website.
This signing marks the first new player acquisition for Sheffield United since they finished at the bottom of the Premier League last season. In addition, Blades goalkeeper Adam Davies has committed to a new two-year deal with the club.
Meanwhile, Archie Gray has reached out to an outgoing Leeds United player following his own departure from the club. Gray, a Whites Academy graduate, recently completed a £40m move to Tottenham Hotspur. Shortly thereafter, Jamie Shackleton, another product of the Leeds Academy, left the club to join Sheffield United.
Shackleton, whose contract expired this summer, had been with Leeds since the age of seven. The 24-year-old shared his farewells and gratitude towards the club’s fans and supporters via an Instagram post.
Messages of support from past and present Leeds players quickly followed. Archie Gray, now a Tottenham player, commented:
“What a guy,” in response to Shackleton’s post.
Leeds club captain Liam Cooper, whose contract also ended this summer, added: “Was a pleasure mate. A top man who gave everything for our club. Wishing you nothing but success.”
Luke Ayling, who has joined Middlesbrough this summer, also expressed his sentiments: “Amazing what you achieved at this great club. All the best in your next chapter, my man.”