Danny Rohl reveals new Sheffield Wednesday transfer update | OneFootball

The Owls boss has revealed there is potential to add to his squad in the coming weeks

Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl has admitted that he may be forced into the free agent market in the coming week after confirmation of Di’Shon Bernard’s injury news.

The Jamaican international was ruled out for the season after having the injury that forced him off in last Saturday’s clash with West Bromwich Albion assessed in the week, leaving the Owls short in terms of defensive personnel for the remainder of the campaign.

Bernard joins fellow centre-backs Akin Famewo and Dominic Iorfa on the sidelines right now, with the pair unlikely to return before the next international break in March.

Having made just two additions to the playing squad in Ibrahim Cissoko and Ryo Hatsuse in the recent transfer window, Rohl has now admitted that extra additions may be needed to fill the gaps in his squad, with Ben Hamer’s absence from the registered 25 senior players in his squad meaning there is space for an extra body.

Danny Rohl discusses Sheffield Wednesday free agent possibility

Rohl had previously discussed the fact that he would only be willing to bring players into his squad that would immediately add to his lineup, and a need to keep the squad’s spirit together, but the German is in a needs-must situation after the Bernard setback, meaning that position has changed somewhat.

As a result, the Owls are open to a free agent joining if they are up to full speed and can help plug the gaps in the backline between now and the end of the season, or at least until Famewo and Iorfa are back to full fitness.

“We look of course at what opportunities are there in the market, what could be and what is not,” Rohl told the Sheffield Star.

“When was their last game? How long does he need? It is all these things. But let's see. The injury to Dish is a new situation and it is not just about bringing impact players, maybe it is about impact and a body to cover one position more and what we need.”

Ben Hamer omission gives Sheffield Wednesday room for extra additions

EFL rules state that each club must submit 25 senior players for their squad by the fourth Thursday in March, meaning Wednesday still have time to source new blood to add to their side this season.

Rohl submitted a 22-an squad after the transfer window had shut, with room for Famewo and Iorfa to be added once they return for injury, while 37-year-old goalkeeper Ben Hamer was left in reserve, as James Beadle and Pierce Charles take the two shot-stopping options on a matchday.

That space means there is room for a free agent to be picked up in the coming weeks, and the Wednesday boss discussed the situation regarding his goalkeeper, and any extra additions ahead of this weekend's clash with Coventry City.

“We have a number one and a number two,” Röhl told The Star. “If something happens, he (Hamer) is straight back on the list. The market is normally closed but if something is out there in the (free agent) market then let's think about this.

“But it is not an easy topic. In March we must submit the final list and so it gives us an opportunity, but it is not a big, big opportunity. We do not expect or demand too much now, we try to do our homework. If we have the feeling something makes sense then we will do it, if not we can be OK.”