Tom Lees may have an uncertain future at Sheffield Wednesday after underperforming at centre-back and being at fault for a number of goals over the course of the campaign.
The 29-year-old still has another year remaining on his deal, but Garry Monk would be foolish not to bring in another defender as Wednesday have conceded 24 goals in 12 Championship games since the turn of the year.
Monk doesn’t have the budget to bring in a lucrative signing, however, so the Owls will have to target loan players or free transfers this summer. One player who could be available is Matt Clarke, as the 23-year-old has impressed on loan at Derby County and may be sent out again next season.
Clarke joined Brighton & Hove Albion from Portsmouth in 2019 and was immediately loaned out to Derby. He’s gone on to make 28 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal. The central defender has impressed at the iPro Stadium and would improve Wednesday’s porous backline.
As per WhoScored, Clarke completed 80.7% of his 1451 passes, won 104 aerial duels (72.2%), made 11 successful dribbles (91.6%), had 13 shots with 38.4% hitting the target, blocked 42 crosses/passes/shots, made 129 clearances, won 19 free-kicks, gave away 14 fouls and averaged a tackle (27) or interception (44) every 31 minutes. He’s only been dribbled past eight times all season too.
Brighton have Dan Burn, Lewis Dunk, Adam Webster and Shane Duff at their disposal, so it remains to be seen if there’s a place for Clarke at centre-back. If he’s available on loan again, Wednesday should make a move. He’d be an upgrade on Lees.
