Sheffield Wednesday missed a trick by not signing Andy Yiadom on a free transfer

Follow us on Google Discover

Barnsley’s Andy Yiadom is to join Reading this summer. And Sheffield Wednesday has surely missed a trick.

According to a report in Sky Sports, Andy Yiadom is to join Championship side Reading this summer when his current deal with recently-relegated Barnsley expires.

The 26-year-old was a top player for the Tykes, and former Swansea City manager Paul Clement has been quick to sign him for Reading after previously missing out while in charge at the Liberty Stadium.

Yiadom was the subject of a reported £750,000 bid from the Swans (the Sheffield Star), but Barnsley turned it down with former manager Paul Heckinbottom instead valuing the player at around £2 million.

Capable of playing in either fullback position, Yiadom offers pace, power and awareness aside from versatility, and as such it seems rather bizarre that fellow Yorkshire side Sheffield Wednesday didn’t make a move.

The Owls are extremely light on defenders after their recent retained list was announced, largely due to Glenn Loovens, leaving the club while there are question marks over the future of loanee Frederico Venancio.

Sheffield Wednesday manager Jos Luhukay has opted to play a system including three centre-backs since his arrival, playing attacking wingbacks and outside central defenders also capable of going forward.

Yiadom, considering his attributes, would have been absolutely ideal for a wide centre-back role while he could also have offered his services in each of the Sheffield Wednesday wingback roles.

Sheffield Wednesday only have Daniel Pudil, Tom Lees and Joost van Aken as senior centre-backs, and the latter hasn’t exactly been a hit at Hillsborough, so bulking up this area must be a top priority for Luhukay.

Yiadom made 32 league appearances for Barnsley this term and eventually went on to captain the side, averaging 2.2 tackles and 3.7 clearances per game – stats comparable with the league’s best.

Sheffield Wednesday may have missed a trick by not tempting him to make the short switch across Yorkshire, and as far as transfer goes, his free transfer move to Reading could see the Royals pick up one of the bargains of the summer.