Sheffield Wednesday have struggled for goals this season since their promotion to the Championship, so relatively new manager Danny Rohl has turned to youth to get the club’s season back on track.
And, based on his performance against Blackburn Rovers last weekend, Bailey Cadamarteri could be the answer he’s been looking for.
The 18-year-old had been a prolific scorer for the Owls at youth level since joining at the age of eight, but had yet to make a senior league appearance until Rohl threw him on from the bench in a 4-0 home defeat against Millwall, where he entered the fray at half-time.
Cadamarteri made another cameo against Birmingham City for the final seven minutes of normal time, but in a bold move by Rohl, Cadamarteri was given a start against table-topping Leicester City last week, much to the surprise of many.
Cadamarteri was always going to struggle against an experienced Foxes backline that included Conor Coady, Wout Faes, and Jannik Vestergaard, but he put himself about and only had one shot, which was blocked.
However, Rohl retained faith in Cadamarteri for this weekend’s clash with Blackburn Rovers at Hillsborough, and the faith paid off after just a few minutes.
By firing a Josh Windass cross into the roof of the opposing goal, the youngster demonstrated his predatory instincts, which had been lacking all season as he hadn’t gotten much of a chance.
A first senior goal for Bailey Cadamarteri 💫
What a moment for the 18 year old!#EFL | @swfc pic.twitter.com/xhX11KvYzb
— Sky Bet Championship (@SkyBetChamp) December 3, 2023
In terms of his overall game, Cadamarteri had two more shots on target against Rovers in a 3-1 victory and a few more touches too than he did against Leicester, and whilst he’s clearly a work in progress, first-team football for now at Championship level will do him no harm.
According to recent reports, Wednesday is attempting to entice the striker to sign an improved contract with the club as his position in the pecking order has risen, in the hope that it will also deter any potential suitors.
Former Owls and England midfielder Carlton Palmer believes that the Owls must quickly agree a new contract for Cadamarteri because it is critical that academy graduates continue to get opportunities, and if they do not, Premier League vultures may come circling if his performances continue to impress.
“Sheffield Wednesday are in talks to extend the contract of teenage sensation Bailey Cadamarteri,” Palmer told Football League World.
“His current contract is not set to expire until the summer of 2025, but they have already begun talks to extend his contract.”
“Bailey has started the last two games and scored in their win over Blackburn Rovers.”
“He’s an exciting young talent, and the Sheffield Wednesday fans and manager are very excited about this young lad.”
“It is critical that the club retains academy graduates rather than losing them as in the past.”
“So, it’s important that they tie him down to a long-term contract, and I’m sure given he’s getting the opportunity with a young manager, hopefully Sheffield Wednesday will stick with Danny Rohl, who I think has got a bright future in the game, and I think we’ll see more and more of these younger guys getting an opportunity.”
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