Sheffield Wednesday surprisingly overlooked Sammy Ameobi when they were recruiting wingers last summer, and the 27-year-old has gone on to impress at Nottingham Forest. Ameobi’s contract at the City Ground expires this summer, however, so he may be worth considering as a replacement for Jacob Murphy.
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The 25-year-old will return to parent club Newcastle in the coming months, leaving Wednesday short on the wing ahead of next season. Ameobi could be the ideal option in his stead, as his goal output is significantly better and he may be available for free.
Wednesday have been thrifty in the transfer market over the last two years as they were guilty of overspending in previous seasons. Four of their five signings in 2018/19 were loan deals and they spent less than £1m on 11 players in 2019/20 – five free transfers, five loan deals.
Ameobi would fit the bill perfectly. As per WhoScored, he’s contributed 10 goals in 36 Championship games this season, created 31 chances, whipped in 79 crosses, won 64 aerial duels (36%), made 78 successful dribbles (67.8%), had 57 shots with 33% accuracy, made 36 clearances, blocked 37 crosses/shots/passes and averaged a tackle (47) or interception (13) every 42 minutes.
The 27-year-old can operate across the frontline, so he’ll be a good backup to Steven Fletcher as well as an option out wide. If Ameobi doesn’t sign a new deal at Forest this summer, Wednesday could land themselves a bargain. The forward has spent the majority of his career in the Championship and has enjoyed a productive 18 months – 17 goals/assists in 56 league starts.
