Danny Rohl has already played down the chance of one Sheffield Wednesday academy graduate being given a chance this season.
The Owls head coach has been taking a look at a number of younger players during their pre-season campaign, with the likes of Gabriel Otegbayo, Gui Siqueira and Sean Fusire handed opportunities in their friendlies.
Chances in the Sheffield Wednesday senior team were very limited for the youngsters last season, as Rohl put his whole focus on avoiding relegation rather than looking to promote anyone from the academy.
They will be looking to catch his eye this summer though, however Rohl has already admitted he is likely to look to the transfer market rather than promoting one teenager.
Sean Fusire has ‘impressed’ Rohl this summer
Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield, the 35-year-old said: “”I think we have two players from the academy, Rio [Shipston] and Sean [Fusire]. I think Sean impressed in the last two weeks. Good skills.
“Could be very interesting to see him in the six or eight. Against Salzburg, we tried to play him as a winger, but against Brighton he played as a 6/8 and it was good to see.”
When asked if Fusire would be given a chance next season, Rohl replied: “”In my mind, we have five No.6s and usually the number five is a young player from the academy to give the space to improve him. Let’s see what we can do in the market.”
What should Sheffield Wednesday do now?
Nathaniel Chalobah has been brought into place as a holding midfielder, with Wednesday releasing Will Vaulks, George Byers and Tyreeq Bakinson.
Rohl has also made it clear that he is comfortable playing Liam Palmer in that position, having made nine appearances in midfield last term. Di’Shon Bernard was also deployed in front of the backline against Southampton too.
The Owls’ natural options in that role are still very limited though, and if able to bring in another experienced player to challenge Chalobah, then that makes a lot of sense.
As for Fusire, if he isn’t going to get much game-time next season then it could be time to give him a loan move.
The 19-year-old is yet to make his Championship debut and could really benefit from picking up some senior minutes elsewhere.