Danny Rohl has been making significant strides with Sheffield Wednesday’s transfer activities in recent weeks.
Sheffield Wednesday announced their fifth signing of the summer yesterday, securing Jamal Lowe on a free transfer after his release from Bournemouth. The club has also added Yan Valery, Max Lowe, Svante Ingelsson, and Ben Hamer to their roster.
Rohl understood the necessity of making substantial changes to his squad this summer and has been proactive in achieving that. However, for Wednesday to have a shot at finishing in the top half next season, more signings are still needed, and it appears they are close to another acquisition.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Sheffield Wednesday is set to re-sign 19-year-old James Beadle, with a deal possibly finalized today. Nixon wrote on his Patreon: “Sheffield Wednesday are ready to bring back keeper James Beadle from Brighton on Monday. Beadle is going to the Owls for a second loan spell and the chance to play every week in the Championship. The highly rated prospect is leaving the Seagulls despite other Brighton keepers being wanted by clubs this summer. Wednesday wanted Beadle to return and the young shot stopper also enjoyed his first spell at Hillsborough.“
The departure of Cameron Dawson has left Wednesday with limited options in goal, and it is evident that Hamer wasn’t brought in to be the first choice.
The 2024/25 season could be pivotal for James Beadle’s career. Beadle was clearly Rohl’s top priority after achieving the second-highest clean sheet percentage (42.1%) among goalkeepers who played more than two games in the Championship last season. He was comfortably one of Wednesday’s standout players last term, and continuing his role at Hillsborough will benefit both the club and the player. Another impressive season in the Championship could see the 19-year-old earn a spot in Brighton’s senior squad or even a move to another top-flight club, making his eventual departure from the Owls bittersweet for supporters.