OWLS TO TAKE RISK OF HIGH RHODES TO PREM?
WHEN Norwich City offered to sign Jordan Rhodes on a free transfer last summer, Sheffield Wednesday reacted furiously.
It was, they said, disrespectful to the player and club but Norwich knew what they were doing. Then, as now, the Owls were pressed tight against the glass ceiling imposed by Financial Fair Play regulations.
Rhodes was a burden they could ill-afford to shoulder, especially considering his meagre return of seven goals from 35 matches. Wednesday were desperate to get Rhodes off the wage bill, but the deal fizzled out.
Six months on, nothing has changed. Rhodes earns £40,000-a-week, and will do until his contract expires in June. Wednesday, meanwhile, cannot sell Hillsborough again and remain saddled with a significant wage-bill.
All of which leaves Wednesday facing a conundrum. On current form Rhodes is a saleable asset who could aid the FFP fight.
If the Owls let it be known he was available, Norwich would be back in a flash. A bit of competition might even generate a fee.
Equally, in Rhodes and Steven Fletcher, Wednesday have potentially the most lethal strikeforce in the Championship. With both on form, a top six spot looks nailed on.
Promotion – points deduction withstanding – would end all of Wednesday’s financial problems at a stroke.
Is it a gamble worth taking? Probably not. But owner Dejphon Chansiri’s all-consuming ambition to reach the Premier League should ensure Rhodes stays put.