Could the Brentford defender come into Sheffield Wednesday’s thinking?
Sheffield Wednesday continue to be priced out in their search for a new centre-back, their head coach Carlos Carvalhal admitted recently.
Middlesbrough’s Daniel Ayala, Newcastle United’s Grant Hanley and Derby County’s Richard Keogh are among those to have been linked with moves to Hillsborough this summer, but the Owls are yet to add to their options at the heart of their defence.
If bargains are what Carvalhal is after, then targeting those whose contracts expire at the end of the coming campaign could be the way to go – although it still doesn’t guarantee they’ll come cheap.
Nevertheless, HITC Sport has picked out five names who could potentially fit the bill for Wednesday, continuing with Brentford’s Andreas Bjelland.
Brentford’s Andreas Bjelland (right)
Who is he?
A 23-cap Denmark international who became Brentford’s club-record buy upon arriving from FC Twente two years ago. After suffering a serious injury on his competitive debut for the Bees, Bjelland returned to action ahead of the 2016-17 season, and went on to make 28 Championship appearances.
What would he bring to Wednesday?
As well as boasting significant international and Europa League experience, Bjelland’s best attribute would arguably be his possession of a natural left-foot – something Wednesday don’t currently have at centre-back. The 29-year-old has previously played left-back for Brentford, but is most at home in the middle. He also captained FC Twente during his final season in Holland.
Denmark’s Andreas Bjelland
Would he come to Hillsborough?
Of Brentford’s three most frequently used centre-backs, John Egan, Harlee Dean and Bjelland, the latter would appear to be the most expendable. Unlike with Dean, little has been said publicly regarding a renewal for Bjelland, who may fancy a change of scenery if manager Dean Smith – the ex-Wednesday captain – continues with the 4-3-3 system he’s employed for much of the Bees’ pre-season campaign, and the Dane cannot get in.
Stay tuned for the final part of this HITC Sport feature on Friday…
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
