Club captain Barker announces Sheffield United departure

Sheffield United’s club captain Sophie Barker has announced the news that she is leaving the club this summer.

The player took to her personal X account to confirm her Bramall Lane departure this afternoon.

Barker is a Sheffield United legend with the player having enjoyed three spells with the South Yorkshire club. The 33-year-old first represented The Blades between 2018 and 2020 before returning to the club on loan from Leicester City during the 2022/2023 campaign. Barker re-joined Sheffield United on a permanent basis last summer.

In her time at Bramall Lane, Barker has made 67 appearances for Sheffield United in the Barclays Women’s Championship in which she has scored two goals. She was an ever-present for The Blades last season.

Announcing her Sheffield United departure, Barker said “Time to say goodbye to being a Blade.

“This year has been the hardest of my life. From the 20 September 2023, a piece of my heart disappeared forever. Putting on that shirt and being in Sheffield never felt the same again. As a group, I’m not sure how we managed to achieve anything on the pitch.

“From the bottom of my heart, I can’t thank this group of girls, first team and academy staff enough for how they battled and showed up every day. I have nothing but respect and love for every single one of them and I wish them all the best for the future.

“The fans – you have been nothing short of amazing over my years as an sufc player. Turning up and supporting us at every opportunity, for that I want to thank you all. The sound of the Greasy Chip Butty song will always bring a smile to my face.

“My new opportunity awaits and I’m looking forward to what the future holds but for the final time, as my G would say, UP THE BLADES!”

Barker is the third player to announce a Sheffield United departure this summer.