Joe Wildsmith recently spoke out about the possibility of leaving Sheffield Wednesday on loan in January, admitting that he may not turn down the prospect of first-team football elsewhere. With the 23-year-old’s last appearance for Wednesday coming in August 2018, he should consider a temporary move away from Hillsborough.
Since rising through the youth ranks to the first-team in 2013, Wildsmith has gone on to make 48 appearances in all competitions, conceding 66 goals and keeping 15 clean sheets. The Englishman spent time on loan to continue his development – Alfreton Town (March 27, 2014 – June 1, 2014), Barnsley (March 26, 2015 – April 26, 2015) – before getting regular football in 2017.
With Cameron Dawson being Wednesday’s first-choice goalkeeper, Keiren Westwood being second-choice and Paul Jones able to be third-choice, Wildsmith’s departure won’t hurt the Owls. The 23-year-old hasn’t played for nearly 18 months and surely can’t afford to stagnate due to a lack of playing time.
Should Wildsmith Be Loaned Out?
Yes, He Needs Games
No, We Have To Ensure Cover
Garry Monk has made it clear that Wildsmith is a part of Wednesday’s future, but a short-term move away would suit all parties. The goalkeeper is no longer making the matchday squad as Westwood has returned from injury, so why not move in January?
