The West Ham United right-back is the name on the lips of many Sheffield Wednesday fans expecting Hunt’s exit.
Right-back Jack Hunt is on the verge of leaving Sheffield Wednesday for Bristol City, HITC Sport understands. And it is the name of West Ham United’s Sam Byram that appears on the lips of many Owls fans when discussing who they would like to replace the 27-year-old.
But is Byram any good? And what are Wednesday’s chances of bringing him to Hillsborough?
Here’s our assessment of the situation…
What are the fans saying?
Why do they seem to want him so badly?
Prior to his £4-million-plus move to the Premier League (that alone is one reason) Byram was a standout performer for Leeds in the Championship, making 100 appearances across three-and-a-half campaigns, ensuring little adaptation is required should he arrive in Sheffield 6. Equally comfortable going forward as he is preventing attacks, the 24-year-old could be ideal in Wednesday’s 5-3-2 system, balancing out Adam Reach on the opposite flank.
Can they afford him?
Selling Hunt for a reported £1.5 million, not to mention the money saved on wages, should give Sheffield Wednesday a bit of leeway – although exactly how much remains to be seen, with the Owls’ summer business heavily dictated by Financial Fair Play. Byram is almost certainly on more money than Hunt is, while West Ham are likely to want a loan fee, as is commonplace nowadays. One suspects Wednesday would need to move on additional players to facilitate a move for Byram – or pray for generosity on the Hammers’ part.
Are there any other obstacles?
Nottingham Forest have been strongly linked with a move for Byram and appear to be over their previous Financial Fair Play concerns, leaving them in a strong position to pounce. And Forest are unlikely to be the only ones keen, should Byram be allowed to leave West Ham. A lack of fitness has also hindered the Essex-born player since his move to the Hammers, which is an issue some Owls fans have suggested as a contributing factor in Hunt’s departure.
Could they live without him?
Sheffield Wednesday can still call upon Liam Palmer, Kieran Lee and Ashley Baker in Byram’s position, although two of those began life as central midfielders, with the other having played a mere 84 minutes of senior football. And it was Hunt who best performed there last season – albeit with Palmer his only consistent rival. So while Joe Luhukay’s side would get by, expect many fans to be disappointed if a direct replacement fails to arrive.
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