Sheffield Wednesday look like they’re closing in on their first signing of the summer transfer window, with free agent goalkeeper Ben Hamer set to join.
It was recently revealed that Hamer, 36, is set to join Sheffield Wednesday on a free transfer following his Watford release at the end of last season.
He looks set to become Danny Rohl’s first summer signing after the German agreed a new three-year contract with the Owls soon after the end of last season.
Other names remain on Wednesday’s radar, including Ian Poveda who’s set to leave Leeds United as a free agent at the end of this month.
The likes of Karamoko Dembele, Ovie Ejaria, and Charlie Goode have also been linked, with Sheffield Wednesday keen on returns for James Beadle and Ike Ugbo too.
But after Hamer, it looks like Sheffield Wednesday have now agreed another new signing; Yan Valery.
Yan Valery ‘agrees’ to join Sheffield Wednesday, reports L’Equipe
According to a developing story from the French publication L’Equipe, 25-year-old Angers defender Valery has “agreed with Sheffield Wednesday.”
The source further states that following the completion of a “contractual agreement,” Sheffield Wednesday and Valery are currently “discussing the terms of a transfer.”Rohl’s former Southampton colleague Valery is contracted to Angers until 2026, therefore a transfer fee of some kind will be necessary.
Valery, a right-back for the Tunisian national team, started his career with Rennes before committing to Southampton’s junior system in 2015.
In all, he made 53 games for the Saints, 43 of which were in the Premier League, after making his Premier League debut in 2018.
French-born Valery has made seven Championship appearances, all coming during a loan spell with Birmingham City in the 2020/21 campaign.
Last season, Valery featured 35 times in Ligue 2, claiming four assists as Angers finished 2nd in Ligue 2, earning promotion to the French top tier.
Where will Yan Valery fit in at Sheffield Wednesday
Though he can play a little higher up the pitch or more centrally in defense, Valery is mostly a right-back.
He offers some versatility, but it’s on the right side, where he’s most likely to be used, and he’ll provide excellent support for the outstanding Pol Valentin.
Due to Dominic Iorfa’s expiring contract, Valentin is now the only right-back with a contract for the upcoming campaign; Iorfa may decide to move on if Valentin arrives.
The majority of the time, Angers use a back four. Valentin was more suited to play as a wing-back in a back-five, although Rohl alternated between a back-four and a back-five at times.
Arriving Valery gives Rohl some much-needed flexibility in the configuration of his defense while simultaneously providing Valentin with much-needed competition and cover.
Furthermore, Valery might adjust to the side more quickly because of his prior experience working with Rohl.
All in all, Valery seems like a very good addition for Sheffield Wednesday, provided they don’t have to pay a big transfer price.
Leave a Reply