Sheffield Wednesday striker Sam Winnall has ruled out a temporary move away from the club in January, claiming it would be irrelevant with his contract expiring in the near future.
What’s the word?
Winnall has been restricted to just two starts in the league this term, the latest of which came against Cardiff last weekend.
He won five aerial duels against a combative Bluebirds backline but failed to provide a spark that Steven Fletcher has with such regularity this term.
The Scotsman has scored 12 times this season but in comparison Winnall has only found the net once, earning a WhoScored average match rating of just 6.26.
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His contract is due to expire in the summer and it remains unclear as to what will happen to the striker’s future.
A number of variables could come into the equation depending on Wednesday’s punishments for breaching profit and sustainability rules or whether they achieve promotion.
However, it seems as though one thing is for certain, and that’s the fact Winnall won’t be moving out on loan. Speaking to Yorkshire Post, he said:
“I’ve got six months left on my contract so a loan move is irrelevant. That’s out of the question.
“I don’t know what will happen in January. I’m trying to focus on every day playing for Sheffield Wednesday and whatever will be will be.”
Nketiah deal to impact proceedings?
Winnall might not want to leave on loan but if Eddie Nketiah arrives, as has been rumoured, it would add another striker to an ever-growing list of options at Garry Monk’s disposal.
Aside from the 28-year-old and Fletcher, the Owls can also choose from Fernando Forestieri, Atdhe Nuhui and Jordan Rhodes.
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With that in mind, adding someone like Nketiah could restrict Winnall’s game time even more and any business Wednesday look to tie up in January could have a large impact on whether their current number 11 stays beyond January.
If he’s ruling out a loan switch, it feels as though a permanent move away would benefit all parties, particularly the player who has struggled significantly in 2019/20.
Unfortunately for Winnall, his future could well be out of his hands for the time being.
Meanwhile, check out why Garry Monk’s baffling decision failed to pay off last Sunday…