Danny Rohl hints at Sheffield Wednesday player exits as he reveals Owls’ ‘need’
Sheffield Wednesday may part ways with several players during the upcoming transfer window, as the current first-team squad is relatively large but lacks significant quality. Danny Rohl aims to enhance the team’s quality in January, emphasizing a preference for permanent signings, yet acknowledging the potential use of the loan market.
The Owls presently have five players on loan—Jeff Hendrick, Devis Vasquez, Ashley Fletcher, John Buckley, and Momo Diaby. While the latter two are currently sidelined with injuries, all five have had limited involvement under Rohl.
According to Joe Crann in The Star, there is a suggestion that Sheffield Wednesday might consider terminating some of these loan deals to make room for new loan acquisitions. Rohl supports this notion, stating that the loan market remains a viable option. He recognizes the importance of securing players for the long term in January but acknowledges the need to navigate the availability of players.
Rohl expressed, “The loan market will be an option. We need loan players. In January, you want to sign a player for the future and not just six months, and we know what we want to have. But we know who is available and not available, so loan players will be an option.”
He further elaborated on the team’s preparations for the upcoming weeks, including initiating communication with potential recruits. Rohl emphasized the challenging nature of conversations with current squad members, emphasizing a commitment to honesty and transparency. He stressed that these discussions involve seeing the person behind the player and maintaining a respectful dialogue between the player, manager, and the club. Despite the difficulty, Rohl aims to approach these conversations openly in the coming weeks.
Could Sheffield Wednesday be in store for a loan reshuffle next month?
Crann’s proposal and Rohl’s remarks regarding Sheffield Wednesday’s loan market and current loaned players suggest that the team is considering making changes next month.
Currently, none of the Owls’ loaned players are under consideration, but Diaby might be in Rohl’s considerations if he returns to first-team action in the New Year.
However, the decision doesn’t rest solely with Wednesday, and terminating some of these loan deals could incur costs.
If Sheffield Wednesday could potentially offload players like Fletcher and Hendrick, it might create space in the wage bill for Rohl to bring in more suitable players aligned with his style of play.
Buckley still appears to have something to prove at Hillsborough, and under Rohl, he might eventually succeed. However, his injury just before the January window adds uncertainty to his future at Wednesday, especially considering previous reports suggesting his recall in the New Year.
January is expected to be a busy month for Sheffield Wednesday, with the loan market likely to be heavily utilized. The club’s financial situation remains challenging, as indicated by owner Dejphon Chansiri’s previous statements about bills, debt, and staff wages.
The Owls are set to face Cardiff City in the Championship later today.