Sheffield Wednesday should be alerted by Birmingham City man's winter availability: Opinion
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Sheffield Wednesday are likely to be in the market for new recruits this winter, and an area of focus has to be centre-back.
Sheffield Wednesday have had a bit of a centre-back shortage to contend with in the first third of the 2024/25 campaign.
Injuries to Akin Famewo and Michael Ihiekwe have depleted their ranks and with the heart of defence one of the few areas no new additions were made, it seems likely to become an area of focus when the January transfer window comes around.
Dominic Iorfa and Di’Shon Bernard are still available while full-backs Yan Valery, Max Lowe and Liam Palmer have played in a back three before. However, as natural centre-back cover, Danny Rohl has had to call upon youngster Gabriel Otegbayo.
It’s something that must be addressed this winter, and one answer to the Sheffield Wednesday shortage could be Birmingham City defender Dion Sanderson.
An ideal fit?
Looking at Sanderson’s situation on paper, some may feel that it’s an odd move.
The former Wolves man can’t get into the starting XI of a League One team, so why would he earn a move to a higher level? Well, Birmingham City aren’t an average third-tier side, so while Sanderson’s stock has dropped since his permanent move to St. Andrew’s, he’s still a defender who has thrived in the Championship before.
Reports over the weekend stated the Blues are ready to loan Sanderson out for the second half of the season if they sign a new centre-back. Loans are likely to be the main method of recruitment at Sheffield Wednesday after a busy summer, and Sanderson could be an ideal option.
It was said that the Championship could be Sanderson’s destination and with his ability to play in a back four or three and his second-tier experience in mind, he could be a solid option for flexible boss Rohl to call upon.
A point to prove
Should Sanderson step back up to the Championship, he may feel he has a point to prove.
He was brilliant on loan at Birmingham City in the 2022/23 season and upon his permanent return, he was handed the club captaincy. The following campaign was a tough one for both him and the team, leaving many questioning Sanderson’s Championship ability.
However, with a hunger to bounce back and make the most of a new opportunity, Sanderson could be a big asset for someone like Sheffield Wednesday. He’ll have to fight for his place in the team, and that could get the best out of him again.
The Owls are sure to be weighing up their options but Sanderson’s potential availability must alert them.
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