Sheffield Wednesday appear to have two distinct January recruitment priorities: a new striker and a new central midfielder.
A new striker was always the goal for Sheffield Wednesday this month, and while Ike Ugbo has signed on loan, Danny Rohl appears to be on the verge of bringing in another, with three of the club’s existing strikers connected with moves away: Josh Windass, Michael Smith, and Lee Gregory.
However, it appears that Rohl also desires a central midfielder.
The Owls released Tyreeq Bakinson and John Buckley at the beginning of the month and have since been associated with Conor Coventry, Darko Gyabi, and Isaac Hayden; Coventry and Gyabi have signed elsewhere, while Hayden is in negotiations with Preston.
With little over two weeks remaining in the January transfer window, Rohl and Sheffield Wednesday are racing against the clock to bolster their squad, with Ugbo and James Beadle the only acquisitions so far.
Rohl and Head of Recruitment Kevin Beadell may have expected to beat Charlton Athletic to Coventry, and maybe Plymouth Argyle, to the loan signing of Gyabi from Leeds United.
While Hayden could still sign, a transfer to Preston is more likely at this point, potentially adding to the Owls’ three lost central midfield targets this month.
Rohl may come to regret Buckley’s return to parent club Blackburn Rovers and Bakinson’s loan move to Charlton Athletic, especially after Bakinson impressed in his Charlton debut last weekend.
Whilst Hillsborough is a far more enticing environment for players to come either permanently or on loan compared to last summer, the Owls still remain in a perilous position in the league, and therefore getting quality players to the club this month will be tricky.
There is nothing wrong with pursuing top players like Hayden or rising stars like Coventry and Gyabi.
But Sheffield Wednesday may have swiftly realized this month that, despite their improved record under Rohl, there are still better possibilities for players.
Coventry may have joined Charlton for game time or club security, as Wednesday has had their fair share of off-field drama in recent months.
The Owls might be better suited acquiring players from the lesser levels or abroad.
However, loan agreements appear to be Wednesday’s best option this month, which could mean that they are obliged to wait until later in the month, when clubs have completed their own business and can then consider loaning out unwanted players.
Rohl and Sheffield Wednesday could face a frenetic deadline day. And, considering Wednesday’s league position, new acquisitions this month remain critical for the team.
But in the midfield, Rohl will be praying that his earlier decisions to transfer Buckley and Bakinson do not come back to haunt him.
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