Michael Hector has dropped yet another hint that he would like to sign permanently with Sheffield Wednesday [The Star].
One suspects, too, that his manager, Steve Bruce, would also like that. He may even confirm as much at his press conference on Friday morning.
But, as Hector points out, the decision is out of his hands. And, despite having passed responsibility onto Bruce on Thursday, the truth is it’s probably out of the Owls boss’s, too.
As we should all be aware by now, while Wednesday [and specifically, their chairman, Dejphon Chansiri] may have healthy cash reserves, EFL rules dictate they cannot go and spend it as they have done previously during the Thai businessman’s reign.
Realistically, and even with the prospect of dumping nine senior [high-earning] players off the wage bill at the end of their contracts, the Owls won’t be paying transfer fees of any kind this summer [which, incidentally, they may begin under embargo for the second year running]. And that could spell disappointment in any pursuit of Hector.
The 26-year-old still has a year left on his deal at Chelsea, who paid around £5 million to sign him four years ago. And the Blues are likely to want to see some of that back before they consider handing over his permanent registration.
On current form, and given his contract situation, Hector’s market value is probably around half that [which, if you need any evidence as to why Wednesday are in such a difficult situation financially, is still less than the amount the club could eventually pay for Joost van Aken] . And one suspects something drastic would have to happen [a major sale, perhaps] before the Owls could oblige.
It is unlikely, too, that in the meantime other Championship clubs have failed to notice Hector’s Hillsborough form – especially in the wake of Jos Luhukay’s departure as manager last December [it is eight clean sheets in 11 now for the Jamaican]. In short: If Wednesday cannot pay it, someone else will.
Another loan move is perhaps their best bet – although even that would require Chelsea being prepared to waive any transfer fee at the end of his deal next summer, not to mention a lack of alternative [and probably more financially capable] suitors.
Seems unlikely, does it not?