Sheffield Wednesday are “keen to get a deal done” for the January acquisition of a player who has pleased Danny Rohl, according to dependable journalist Joe Crann.
Latest Sheffield Wednesday news
Owl fans are still dreaming big this season, keeping in touch with those competing for a spot in the Championship playoffs. In recent years, the club has been either in League 1 or struggling to stay in the second division, but things appear to be looking up this time.
Rohl is doing a fantastic job, taking Wednesday to 10th position in the table and only three points away from the playoff spots, and while they are still considered underdogs to finish in the top six, they do appear to be in the fight right now.
New acquisitions will only help the Owls in their bid to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2000, and they have been connected with new players during the current transfer window. Stuart Armstrong, a former Southampton midfielder, is one such figure. The 32-year-old now plays for the Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest striker Emmanuel Dennis has been mentioned as a possible alternative, despite missing out on a fantastic season for Nuno Espirito Santo’s team. A loan move to Hillsborough has been suggested for the 27-year-old.
Sheffield Wednesday want to seal free left-back signing
According to a recent report from The Star’s Crann on X, Sheffield Wednesday are looking to recruit Vissel Kobe left-back Ryo Hatsuse in the January transfer window, after catching Rohl’s eye during a training session with his team.
“Understand SWFC are eager to complete a deal to make Ryo Hatsuse an Owl once his Vissel Kobe contract expires; the Japanese defender has impressed Danny Rohl.” All parties want to end things up, but other clubs are also interested. “He is no longer training.”
Hatsuse’s contract will expire on January 31st, barely 72 hours before the January transfer window closes, as the Japanese season begins and ends at different times of the year than in European football.
Hatsuse may not be a household name, but the fact that Rohl likes him right away says that he could be a good alternative for Wednesday, as he appears to have convinced him in training in a short period of time.
The 27-year-old is a former Japan Under-21 international, having won 12 caps at that level. He has also represented his country at the Under-20 and Under-19 levels, showcasing his youth.
| Ryo Hatsuse’s international stats | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Japan Under-21s | 12 | 0 |
| Japan Under-20s | 3 | 0 |
| Japan Under-19s | 8 | 0 |
With Marvin Johnson now in his 30s, Rohl may see Hatsuse as a long-term option at left-back or left wing-back, increasing competition for Max Lowe.
The fact that his contract ends during the window gives Wednesday a further advantage, allowing them to sign him on a free transfer while also providing a limited window to pursue other signings if this one falls through.
Leave a Reply