Sheffield Wednesday are interested in bringing future Premier League goalkeeper, James Beadle, back to S6, according to The Star.
The Owls signed Beadle on loan from Brighton in January. He’d impressed at League One play-off finalists Oxford United, in the first half of the season and although only 19-years-old was trusted to help keep Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship.
Now, with the side preparing for another season in the Championship, Beadle is being touted by The Star to make a return to Hillsborough.
Why do Sheffield Wednesday want Beadle back?
Beadle, an England youth international, slotted straight into the Wednesday side under Danny Rohl.
He made his debut against Coventry and despite some poor results for the Owls, Rohl trusted him for the remainder of the season. It was a decision that ultimately paid off, with the Owls staying up on the final day.
While in between the sticks for Wednesday, Beadle kept eight clean sheets in 19 Championship games. The Star stated the only Illan Meslier had a higher clean sheet percentage than Beadle. The Leeds United stopper had 44.2% and Beadle had 42.1%.
Not only does he have good shot-stopping ability, but Beadle can also play with the ball at his feet. Rohl’s philosophy is built on playing out from the back, something Beadle is comfortable doing. According to WhoScored, Beadle has a 60.5% pass success rate, while making an average of 34.5 passes-per-game.
How likely is a deal?
If a deal is to happen, the report suggests it’ll only be a loan, given the high hopes Brighton have for Beadle.
One thing that you would imagine will be favourable for the Owls is the season that just ended. From the day Beadle signed, it was clear Rohl saw him as their number one. This was proven by the faith put in the young man.
Under Rohl, the Owls are hoping to step away from the relegation battle, and Beadle will be seen as a key part of that.
What does this mean for their other goalkeepers?
As things stand, Sheffield Wednesday will only have two youngsters as their first team options. Jack Hall (19) and Pierce Charles (18) are both hot prospects, but neither are ready for first team action, it appears.
They started the 2023/24 campaign with academy product, Cameron Dawson, in goal. He’s out of contract this summer and looks set to be leaving his boyhood club.
This means there’s a spot ready and waiting for Beadle, should he return this summer.