What next for Jordan Rhodes with Callum Paterson’s Sheffield Wednesday deal imminent?

Obviously things haven’t worked out for Rhodes since Wednesday broke the bank to bring him on board from Middlesbrough in 2017, but after scoring on the opening day of the 2020/21 season there is hope once more that he can regain his scoring touch.

His manager and teammates have spoken very highly of him, and while the imminent signing of Callum Paterson could be seen as more competition for him, a bit of a bully-boy physicality alongside Rhodes could be just what he needs. He could feed off a player like Paterson.

Garry Monk has spoken often of how important the full squad is going to be this season, and the fact that only one player (Adam Reach, 6) has featured in more games than Rhodes up to now, would suggest that the striker does still have a role to play going forward.

Here’s some of what’s been said by those around him recently:

Garry Monk

“I believe there is a player more than capable in there. He has had a tough two or three years… I’ve had really good chats with Jordan and he is going to play his part this season. There is no doubt about it.

“I’m very pleased with Jordan but he knows what he needs to work on to get himself in a position where he can consistently perform.”

Dominic Iorfa

“We all know what Jordan can do… He’s had a tough spell since he’s been here, but the fact that he’s been able to get up and running at the start of the season, hopefully that’s a sign of good things to come.

Cameron Dawson

“There’s a reason he’s scored so many goals, and in finishing drills I’ve never seen anyone just so easily stroke the ball into corners. It’s the most frustrating thing in the world.

“He’s obviously a top striker at this level and has scored a lot of goals… I think all the boys and Rhodesy himself are really hoping and believing that this year could be the year he kicks on again after scoring the hundreds of goals that he has.”

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