Wrexham attacker Josh Windass had come close to joining Sheffield United after leaving Sheffield Wednesday last summer.
Wrexham look forward to matchday 39 when they lock horns against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. While the Reds are in for multiple boosts ahead of the away trip, fans will miss one player more than any other.
The player in discussion is Wrexham’s top scorer, Kieffer Moore. Signed from Sheffield United last summer, the forward dropped a masterclass against his former club in a memorable 5-3 Boxing Day win.
If not for Moore’s recent tendon injury, fans would have loved to see him face his former club on their own turf. While this possibility is off the table, there’s no shortage of subplots heading into this Wrexham‑Sheffield United clash.
A timely reveal from The Star suggests another Wrexham player could have had past relations with the Blades. The player being talked of is none other than Wrexham attacker, Josh Windass.
According to the report, Windass was in contention to sign for Sheffield United last summer after leaving their city rivals, Sheffield Wednesday. But the move didn’t materialise, and he eventually joined Wrexham.
Josh Windass’ transfer saga recalls another interesting tale
Josh Windass has made a name for himself in the EFL over the years. But apart from his on‑field heroics, his career has often been accompanied by contract disputes and persistent transfer speculation.
It’s well documented that Windass was surprisingly linked with a return to Rangers in January. But according to The Star‘s latest revelation, his move to Wrexham, and perhaps even that Rangers chatter, might never have happened had his talks with Sheffield United materialised last summer.
According to the report, Josh Windass’ entourage had established contacts with the Blades over a potential move. The aim was for him to cross the iconic city divide and join Sheffield United after representing the Owls for nearly five years.
READ MORE: ‘On another day’ – Watford defeat could have been avoided if not for 50-50 call
READ MORE: Phil Parkinson names 1 injury that held Wrexham back (it’s not a midfielder)
READ MORE: Sheffield United set to miss 23yo star vs Wrexham (got 2 assists in 5-3 game)
Given Windass’s strong personality and knack for clutch moments, he might well have become a fan favourite at United regardless of his Wednesday past. But the move fell through, and he joined Wrexham instead.
Though he’s only 32, Windass’ Wrexham contract runs until 2028. Barring a drastic turn of events, all signs point to him staying beyond that, which makes any future move to Sheffield United increasingly unlikely.
A hostile Bramall Lane trip awaits Josh Windass and Wrexham
Wrexham’s rivalry with Sheffield United has been steadily intensifying. Following Kieffer Moore’s exceptional display in Wrexham’s Boxing Day win, the fixture has picked up fire even more.
Needless to say, Wrexham could be in for a cold reception by Sheffield United fans at Bramall Lane. Even if not for anyone else, it could be a hostile trip for Josh Windass for multiple reasons.
First, the revelation that Windass held talks with Sheffield United last summer may not sit well with Blades fans.
Historically, the Steel derby between Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday has been an intense one. Even this season, the Blades were the ones to confirm the Owls’ drop down to League One. Being a former Owl, Blades fans can aim chants at Josh Windass in a crucial tie.
Additionally, Sheffield United supporters would have barely forgotten how crucial Windass was in Wrexham’s Boxing Day win. The attacker sealed the Reds’ win by converting a spot kick in his usual ice-cold way.
While Wrexham will have similar expectations for Josh Windass this time, the upcoming away trip could be a lot more difficult for the player. It remains to be seen if Windass can deliver once again as the Reds’ x-factor.
READ MORE WREXHAM NEWS HERE:
- ‘On another day’ – Watford defeat could have been avoided if not for 50-50 call
- Phil Parkinson names 1 injury that held Wrexham back (it’s not a midfielder)
- Sheffield United set to miss 23yo star vs Wrexham (got 2 assists in 5-3 game)
- ‘Monitoring’ – Wrexham keeping tabs on former Chelsea and England star
- ‘Never watch’ – Wrexham fans fuming at one player after 3-1 Watford defeat
