BREAKING: Sheffield Wednesday should be thrashing out fresh Brighton transfer.

Sheffield Wednesday should prioritize re-signing James Beadle on loan for the upcoming season, considering his strong performances this year. The team finds itself once again embroiled in a relegation battle in their return to the Championship after a hiatus of a couple of years.

Currently positioned 23rd in the league table, with just one point separating them from safety, the Owls are facing a tough fight to remain in the second tier of English football. Despite a difficult start under Xisco Munoz, who left them with just two points from their opening ten games, Danny Rohl took over in October and has managed to give the team a fighting chance of survival with eight games remaining.

One of the areas of concern at the start of the season was the goalkeeper position, but the arrival of James Beadle in January has addressed those issues and has proven to be a crucial addition to the squad.

Sheffield Wednesday’s goalkeeping situation was a major problem

At the beginning of the season, under Munoz’s management, Sheffield Wednesday underwent significant squad changes, with 12 new players brought in to overhaul the team that had been promoted the previous season.

Regarding goalkeepers, Cameron Dawson and David Stockdale shared duties last season, each making over 20 league appearances. Munoz introduced his own goalkeeper, Devis Vasquez, on loan from AC Milan.

Following Vasquez’s arrival, he was the preferred choice in goal for every league match under Munoz. However, despite starting regularly, he managed just one clean sheet in nine league games, conceding 16 goals. Vasquez’s save percentage stood at 59%, placing him in the bottom 15% of goalkeepers in the division. When Rohl took over, Dawson was favored over Vasquez, who didn’t make another appearance for the team.

Dawson’s performances didn’t significantly improve the team’s defensive record, as he managed only four clean sheets in 18 games. The situation intensified when Vasquez’s loan was terminated in January, leaving Dawson as Sheffield Wednesday’s sole senior goalkeeper.

James Beadle’s signing has been a good piece of business for Sheffield Wednesday

Vasquez’s loan termination prompted Sheffield Wednesday to secure James Beadle on loan from Brighton. Beadle had previously been on loan at Oxford United in League One for the first half of the season, where he showcased his talent by recording seven clean sheets in 25 games. Notably, Beadle impressed with his passing ability, which aligns well with Rohl’s preferred style of play.

Since joining Sheffield Wednesday, the 19-year-old has seamlessly transitioned to the Championship, making a significant impact by keeping five clean sheets in 11 games.

The outstanding performances of the 19-year-old have garnered recognition from England, resulting in his call-up to the under-20s squad for the upcoming international break.

Sheffield Wednesday should be talking to Brighton about extending James Beadle’s loan

Given James Beadle’s impactful performances for Sheffield Wednesday, it would be prudent for the Owls to pursue his return on loan for the next season, irrespective of their league status. At just 19 years old, Beadle undoubtedly has much to learn, and consistent playing time at one club could be immensely beneficial for his development, especially if he’s unlikely to break into Brighton’s first team in the near future. Providing him with stability and opportunities for growth could be instrumental in unlocking his potential.

🔟 games.
5️⃣ clean sheets.

How impressed have you been with James Beadle since his arrival in January?#SWFC • #WAWAW pic.twitter.com/p0mcBvRksN

— The Wednesday ’Til I Die Podcast (@WTIDPOD) March 21, 2024

While James Beadle’s progression through different divisions is beneficial for his development, the frequent club changes across different regions in the past 18 months might pose challenges. Despite the upward move in divisions, constantly relocating could potentially hinder his settling process.

Moreover, Beadle’s readiness for Brighton’s first team is questionable, considering he has only half a season of Championship experience. It’s evident that he requires more consistent first-team action at a high level before he can compete for a starting spot at Brighton.

With Danny Rohl now having a reliable goalkeeper in Beadle, Sheffield Wednesday must prioritize securing his services for the next season. However, if the Owls face relegation to League One, it might complicate their efforts to extend his loan agreement. Acting swiftly and proactively in negotiating an extended loan deal for the 2024-25 campaign could significantly bolster their chances of retaining Beadle’s services.