Football League World
·16 August 2024
“A great addition” - Pundit reacts as Derby County and Oxford United plot Sheffield Wednesday swoop
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Football League World
·16 August 2024
Carlton Palmer believes that Sheffield Wednesday's Marvin Johnson would be a smart signing for Derby County or Oxford United.
Carlton Palmer believes that Marvin Johnson would be a shrewd signing for either Derby County or Oxford United, although he isn’t convinced Sheffield Wednesday will sanction his sale.
The 33-year-old played an important role for the Owls as they secured their safety in the Championship last season against all odds.
However, Max Lowe has jumped ahead of Johnson in the pecking order following his arrival this summer, with the ex-Sheffield United man starting the league opener against Plymouth on Sunday, although Johnson did come on.
Therefore, it has been suggested that Johnson could be on the move, with reports stating that Derby and Oxford were both tracking the left-sided player, who has entered the final year of his contract at Hillsborough.
Yet, speaking to FLW, ex-Wednesday midfielder Palmer explained that Rohl will not want to lose Johnson from a football perspective, but he did concede that a decent offer could convince the club to cash in, as he backed the ex-Middlesbrough man to flourish if he did move elsewhere.
“At 33, if Derby or Oxford come in with a sizeable fee, then they may look at this and let him go.
“Marvin will want regular game time, but he’s a very good pro, he will get on with the job, and I still think he will play a lot of football going forward with Sheffield Wednesday.
“Unless Wednesday gets an offer they consider to be at the right level, I think they will keep him. He would be a great addition for either Derby or Oxford, who have both won promotion and will be trying to stay in the Championship, but I’m sure Wednesday will want to keep hold of him.”
You can understand why the two newly-promoted sides are tracking Johnson, as they both need additional options down their left flanks, and he would help.
The fact he is comfortable as a full-back, wing-back or winger makes him a very useful player, and he has proven himself in the Championship over the years.
Another factor that makes him an attractive option is his Championship experience.
Realistically, both clubs are going to be aiming for survival this season, so having someone in the dressing room that has been there and done it will appeal to Paul Warne and Des Buckingham.
You would imagine that Johnson will have a big say on his future here, as the Owls won’t want to keep a player that is keen to leave.
With his contract expiring in 2025, the Yorkshire outfit may want to get a fee for the player whilst they can, and if the offer of a longer deal is on the table, it’s something that Johnson will want to consider at this stage of his career.
Of course, he will also want to be playing regularly, and if Lowe is the preferred option for Rohl, it’s hard to see how that will happen.
So, you would expect conversations to take place over the coming days and weeks, but Johnson will need to be replaced if he does go, as he is a valuable member of the squad.