Sheffield Wednesday face major position problem if EFL fail to give green light for free agent deals
Sheffield Wednesday could lose two key figures next month, meaning they desperately need permission to bring in fresh blood.
Having used just 15 different outfield players between the October and November international breaks, it was hardly surprising Sheffield Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen admitted after Saturday’s defeat at Southampton that the latest pause had come at an ideal time.
Following back-to-back draws against West Bromwich Albion (0-0) and Norwich City (1-1), a third game in eight days was a step too far for the Owls’ threadbare squad. Despite giving it everything they had, their performance at St Mary’s was littered with obvious signs of fatigue.
Using just 20 outfield players so far this term, the Wednesday boss used just 15 different individuals to navigate his way through the club’s six-game block between the last international break and the current one.
Of those 15, youngster Bruno Fernandes, who made his Championship debut as a late substitute against West Brom, was the only player who failed to bag a start. It has meant Pedersen has had to rely on the same players to navigate the Owls’ way through six games in just 22 days.
With the squad already threadbare, the last thing Wednesday could have done with is the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Both Tunisia and Zimbabwe have qualified for the tournament, which starts on December 21, meaning Yan Valery and Sean Fusire could both be away from Hillsborough for up to a month.
Valery has been included in the latest Tunisia squad for their hat-trick of upcoming friendlies during this international window, meaning he is almost guaranteed a spot in their AFCON squad, while Fusire has rightfully been rewarded with his latest Zimbabwe call-up following a string of encouraging performances for the Owls at right wing-back.
Fusire could join Valery at AFCON
Should Fusire impress during the international break and continue to do what he has been doing of late at Hillsborough on the other side of it, it is very likely he could join Valery in Morocco, where the latest edition of AFCON is being staged.
While the prospect of representing their respective nations at a major tournament is fabulous for Valery and Fusire, it could leave Wednesday increasingly light on options, meaning it puts even more pressure on the club getting the outcome they want from their meeting with the EFL today (Monday).
Wednesday are hoping to find out if they will get the green light from the EFL to bring in any free agent signings ahead of the January window. The Owls are desperate to bring in reinforcements and former Leeds United defender Liam Cooper is on their radar.
If both Valery and Fusire go to AFCON, it will almost certainly result in Liam Palmer having to slide across to right wing-back, opening up one of the centre-back spots. Palmer has recently formed a centre-back partnership with Dominic Iorfa and Max Lowe.
With Di’Shon Bernard still sidelined and Ernie Weaver set to miss the rest of the season through injury, Gabriel Otegbayo is the most senior option next in line to come into the defence.
Already, Pedersen has next to no room for manoeuvre, meaning the prospect of the EFL blocking Wednesday from bringing in reinforcements, coupled with both Valery and Fusire potentially being away on international duty, would leave the Owls chief having to dig even deeper into the club’s academy ranks.
Wednesday must hope and pray they get the green light they so desperately need.