Danny Röhl explains why Sheffield Wednesday didn't sign a...

The reason Sheffield Wednesday didn’t acquire a center-half during the January transfer window has been clarified

by Danny Röhl.

The Owls’ defence is now even more stretched after Di’Shon Bernard suffered a critical injury over the weekend. The

Jamaican international is currently receiving treatment alongside Akin Famewo and Dominic Iorfa. Although

Gabriel Otegbayo is having a fantastic rookie season, Michael Ihiekwe is now the only recognised senior centre-back

available in the team.

Last week, The Star reported that the Owls hoped to finalise the permanent transfer of a Championship defender on

the last day of the winter transfer window before the selling club pulled out of the agreement. Röhl stated that more

choices were considered, but as previously discussed in recent weeks, only players who were thought to have a

significant influence on the team’s calibre would be signed, with a clear target profile established.

Last week, The Star reported that the Owls hoped to finalise the permanent transfer of a Championship defender on

the last day of the winter transfer window before the selling club pulled out of the agreement. Röhl stated that more

choices were considered, but as previously discussed in recent weeks, only players who were thought to have a

significant influence on the team’s calibre would be signed, with a clear target profile established.

We had a few other choices, but I ultimately decided that it was not the best course of action to just introduce a

number into the situation. I mentioned that if he had been injured while playing today, we may have taken someone.

It’s football. I accept responsibility for the choice we made. We have alternative options, but other players must now

fill this role. We continue on and on, and I have to check to discover what is best.

For players like Otegbayo, Max Lowe, and Shea Charles, who have made in-game contributions while filling in at the

heart of defence in recent months, the situation creates more opportunities. Röhl discussed his options in a laid-back

manner, despite supporters’ worries about the back three’s numbers. Lowe, Yan Valery, and Liam Palmer are among

the players who consider the flanks of a back three to be a natural position.

The Owls manager also disclosed that spots on their 25-man EFL roster list were left unfilled, raising the prospect of

looking into the free agent market.

He remarked, “You saw two solutions today; we can have a back four with Max and Icky or we can go to a back five.”

“We came up with several solutions, and I stated that there is no guarantee that you won’t recruit guys who end up

being hurt. We’ll stay together and return.

Danny Röhl explains why Sheffield Wednesday didn’t sign a centre-back in January