Garry Monk has explained why he wanted to bring Manuel Hidalgo to Sheffield Wednesday from US Triestina Calcio.
Hidalgo became the Owls’ first January window recruit – and the first of Monk’s Hillsborough career – on Wednesday evening, albeit one who will begin life in the Under-23s.
The Argentine winger, who is thought to have cost nothing but a 15 per cent sell-on clause, his signed an 18-month contract in Sheffield.
But despite him being previously unknown to many Wednesday fans, those inside the club – Monk included – already know what they are getting from Hidalgo, who trialled at Middlewood Road in the autumn.
“He’s obviously very good technically,” Monk told the Owls’ official Facebook page on Thursday. “I think the one thing that stands out, like you expect from a lot of young lads, is the work-rate, the attitude towards what he did in the few-weeks’ (trial) period.
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“And the club felt it was an opportunity to bring a young lad in, one with quality and ability, and then to try and work with him at that level (the U23s) and try and progress him like we’re trying to do with all the young lads.
“And if they make that step up and they can progress how we want them to then there’s obviously an opportunity in the first team.”
Monk also provided a positive update on Wednesday’s efforts to add to their first-team roster, revealing that things have ‘definitely progressed’ since the last time he was asked.
On whether new arrivals could be on the horizon at Hillsborough, the 40-year-old replied: “Hopefully. We’re down the line with a few situations.
“Nothing concrete, nothing signed and sealed, but hopeful that can happen as soon as possible.”
Wednesday have been strongly linked with the Crystal Palace striker – and former Owls loanee – Connor Wickham.
Eddie Nketiah is another player said to have been a target for the Owls, however, it is claimed that the Arsenal frontman will now be staying put.