Sheffield Wednesday’s uncertain future off the pitch is certainly not stopping them from impressing on it.
Under the stewardship of Garry Monk, the Owls have become serious playoff contenders, and that’s only with the players he’s inherited from an array of preceding managers.
The 40-year-old has been in charge since September, after the closure of the summer transfer window, so he must be relishing the opportunity to stamp his own mark down on the squad next month.
Wednesday have been linked to several players, particularly of an attacking nature, but it is their loan pursuit of Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster which could truly signal their intentions.
All whilst facing the possibility of a 21-point deduction as punishment for being charged by the English Football League for financial misconduct.
The Telegraph claim that Swansea City are leading the chase for the 19-year-old starlet, but should the Owls throw their weight around to try and clinch him?
Here’s what our writers think…
Matt Dawson
“There’s no doubting that this would be a mightily impressive loan signing and a big statement of intent from the Owls. Brewster is a player that’s been compared to the likes of Robbie Fowler and Ian Rush, so if that doesn’t get you excited, nothing will. The teenager is a generational talent with the ability to score goals. Four strikes in seven games tells the story of his PL 2 campaign while his form during England’s U17 World Cup triumph was well documented.
“He finished as the top scorer in the competition and his stock has continued to rise since. Given he has just two senior appearances to his name, it would be a gamble, but it certainly looks like a more enticing option than Lyle Taylor. If he can show the energy and finishing ability he has at youth level, this could be game-changing for Wednesday’s season. After all, more goals will undoubtedly help their cause.”
Viji Jeevathayalan
“If Sheffield Wednesday can sneak in ahead of their Championship rivals and land Rhian Brewster on loan, Garry Monk would deserve a statue. The Liverpool starlet has been in prolific form for the Merseyside club’s youth sides this season, notching four in seven at Premier League 2 level. Whilst the 19-year-old would no doubt be raw, he could be the catalyst for success for Wednesday. Jurgen Klopp hailed him as a “fantastic player” earlier this year, and the fact he hasn’t seen much first-team football this season is more down to the Reds’ ridiculously talented front-line, than a slight on the teenager himself. Bringing him on loan until the end of the season makes complete sense for both Brewster and Wednesday. He can help the Owls in their promotion push and then head back to Liverpool a more refined striker. It’s a mutually beneficial partnership that Wednesday could be big winners from.”
Jonathan Radcliffe
“It certainly is surprising to see Sheffield Wednesday so far up the table, and that has mainly been down to a sturdy defence – only two team in the Championship have conceded less. Steven Fletcher is flying with 12 goals this term, but after him, there is a group of players who have just three. Another striker wouldn’t go amiss, but Rhian Brewster is not that man. At 20, he has just two professional matches under his belt, showing just how unproven he is. If they want to make it to the Premier League, they will need more experience. Quite frankly, they can do better than him.”
Lewis Blain
“Sheffield Wednesday boss Garry Monk loves a 4-4-2 formation, but the Owls currently lack enough balance to play it to its true potential – which is saying something as they have put four first-half goals past two different teams already this season. Rhian Brewster could bring to life their frontline and provide qualities that no other can – he’s been compared to Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler in the past so that’s what you’d be getting. Steven Fletcher has 12 goals this season as a target man – just think of how many the Liverpool prospect can get alongside him. It’s a no-brainer for me if they can convince him to join on lean instead of their Championship rivals.”
No clues: Can you name all of these Premier League icons? Test your knowledge below…
And in other Owls news, these three players have been given a new lease of life since Monk took the helm at Hillsborough…
