The Sheffield United defender will leave the club in the summer

According to Inside Futbol, ​​Sheffield United right-back George Baldock has signed a pre-agreement with Greek club Panathinaikos before his current contract with the Blades expires.

The 31-year-old spent seven fruitful years at Bramall Lane in which he saw two automatic promotions to the Premier League and was part of the 2019/20 squad that finished a remarkable 9th in the Premier League.

Baldock has made 219 appearances for Sheffield United and may not get the chance to add to that as he remains sidelined with a soft tissue injury that has kept him out for most of the campaign.

The report from Inside Futbol claims that the Greece international has penned a three-year deal with the Greens. Panathinaikos is currently 3rd in the Greek Super League and has a chance to qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League for next season.

The move to Panathinaikos marks a new chapter for Baldock, who already boasts experience outside of English football, with a loan spell in Iceland during his tenure at MK Dons. After earning a call-up to the Greece national team in 2022, Baldock has since represented his adopted nation on twelve occasions.

His next venture in the Greek top flight promises to further enrich his footballing journey, giving him the opportunity to showcase his talents in a new environment for the first time since 2017.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 28: George Baldock of Sheffield United after the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Sheffield United at Emirates Stadium on October 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

It should come as no surprise that Baldock is leaving the Blades to join a team in Greece. He cemented himself in the history books at United and will be fondly remembered for his excellent work rate and desire to win.

At 31, this move seems like the right thing to do; he can enjoy playing European football as well as exposing himself to try and garner a few more caps for the Greek national team.

For Sheffield United, meanwhile, they will undoubtedly miss his leadership qualities. But it’s hard to find a reason to renew an outdated contract with the best winners on the back of a miserable injury-riddled campaign.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 02: George Baldock of Sheffield United reacts during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Everton FC at Bramall Lane on September 02, 2023 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

The Blades have reportedly already been in the shop window looking at right-backs, with the club linked with 32-year-old Luke Ayling, who is out of contract at Leeds United this summer.

Ayling has been on loan at Middlesbrough since January and has been in terrific form for Michael Carrick’s side. In 19 appearances for Boro, he collected eight assists.

Understandably, after such a successful campaign, it is Middlesbrough who are understood to be favorites to sign Ayling.