Wycombe Wanderers: Shock deadline day steal could give Matt Bloomfield, Sunderland headache - View | OneFootball

Wycombe Wanderers raided Livingston of their star goalkeeper on deadline day, which could cause an issue when Nathan Bishop returns from injury.

Wycombe Wanderers swooped to add another senior goalkeeper to their ranks on deadline day. Nathan Bishop had signed on loan from Sunderland and Franco Ravizzoli had extended his contract but Matt Bloomfield opted to activate Shamal George's release fee after his first-choice loanee sustained a serious injury against Birmingham City.

With Bishop's injury, the 24-year-old could be sidelined for most of the season. However, as seen last year and again this year, Ravizzoli has proven to be a more than capable deputy. However, some fans were left scratching their heads as Livingston's number one, George, came through the door on deadline day for an undisclosed fee.

Wycombe triggered the relegation release clause in the ex-Liverpool youngster's contract after Livi were relegated to the Scottish Championship last season. Whilst George will provide good competition and cover for Ravizzoli whilst Bishop is sidelined, Bloomfield could face a dilemma when the Sunderland man returns to action. If the 40-year-old isn't careful, he could end up with three goalkeepers all vying for one spot, which might cause some unrest.

That in turn, may provide the Black Cats with a real headache as they will not want their loanee playing second fiddle when back fit.

George's transfer was a welcome surprise for Wycombe fans

The former Colchester United Player of the Year arrived at Adams Park after two seasons worth of experience in the Scottish top flight. He became the second Livingston shot-stopper in the last three years to make the journey to Buckinghamshire, following in the footsteps of his former backup Max Stryjek.

Having kept 22 clean sheets in 80 appearances for the Lions, his former club were reluctant to lose their star. Unfortunately, they had no say in the matter, as the Chairboys matched the release clause in the former Marine stopper's contract. He joins a four-man goalkeeping arsenal that currently has three fit players. He, Ravizzoli, and Laurence Shala are all fully fit options, whilst Bishop makes his recovery from the leg injury he sustained against Birmingham.

This all works well for now, as Shala has yet to play a minute of senior professional football, giving the new signing a chance to compete directly with his Argentinian counterpart. However, if and when Bishop is to return to action, this could throw a spanner in the works for Bloomfield.

With three goalkeepers who will all expect regular minutes fighting for one place, the Wycombe boss must be careful not to allow any unnecessary unrest in his goalkeeping department.

Problems may arise when Bishop returns from injury

Currently, there hasn't been any concrete information as to when the Sunderland loanee is expected to be available for selection again. Of course, depending on the agreement between the Black Cats and the Chairboys, the loan agreement could be brought to a premature end. Whilst the details of a possible recall clause are currently unknown, many loan deals in the modern market often include the option for the parent club to bring the player back in January.

However, there is a chance the 24-year-old could be fit and ready before the winter window comes around. This would leave Bloomfield with three goalkeepers who will want to be playing week-in-week-out, which obviously won't work out for all parties.

The fact that a fee was spent on George would suggest that the 26-year-old would be the clear first choice. The deadline day signing has also been the undisputed number one for Livi over his two years at the club, but Ravizzoli's performances have shown the Argentine has no intention of losing his spot as number one.

Throwing Bishop into the mix, who was also brought in to be number one, would create a sticky situation for Bloomfield to try and manage. During his two league matches, the Sunderland youngster conceded six goals and didn't look overly convincing.

From the Championship club's perpective, if they feel there is no way into the Wycombe side for Bishop, they may opt to recall the shot-stopper, which would at least give the Wanderers boss one less player to worry about.

Another factor that will harm Bishop's chances, is that George and Ravizzoli will both have the chance to perform while the loanee recovers. Football is a cut-throat game, and if either of his colleagues excels during his stint on the sidelines, it would then become very hard to justify dropping one of them in favour of someone who hasn't played in months.

The competition between the two currently fit goalkeepers could prove who retains the gloves for the long-term future. With Wycombe's Argentinian holding them at the moment, he will be pushing himself under the knowledge that one slip-up could allow his fellow shot-stopper an opportunity to take the gloves.

Bloomfield must prioritise keeping his permanent goalkeepers happy

Benji Walker (@benjiwalkerphoto)

It would be difficult to believe that George would've agreed to join the Chairboys if he hadn't been guaranteed playing time. Leaving a club where he's reigned supreme for years to sit on the bench would be a rather counterproductive move for the ex-Colchester star.

In contrast, he will have to prove to his new manager that he has what it takes to outperform Ravizzoli, who has been faultless in all of his appearances so far this season. Many different aspects of goalkeeping must be factored into this though. Wycombe are a team that likes to play out from the back, so a keeper who is good with his feet is essential for this system.

Simply rotating each week isn't an option either, as the constant changes will be detrimental to a defensive unit that has already struggled this season. Keeping the same goalkeeper to form a good line of communication with his backline is important, as it will benefit the team's cohesion.

However, the most important thing for Bloomfield will be to keep his keepers who are tied down to contracts happy. The Chairboys have something to lose now with the purchase of George, so he will need to be the top priority. Ravizzoli was initially brought in to play second-fiddle to Stryjek last year, and it seemed that would be the case again this year. But, the former MK Dons sweeper has found himself the number one on both occasions, thanks to poor performances and the misfortune of his colleagues.

That in itself provides a headache for Sunderland, who sent Bishop out on loan to play regular minutes. If January rolls around with Bishop either back fit and serving as a backup or looking likely to take up that role once he returns, they may feel their hands is forced.

That is out of Bloomfield's control and ultimately, will be less of a worry for the Blues boss, as the ex-Manchester United man isn't his player. Whilst he will want to help Bishop develop and fulfil the loan agreement, the injury and addition of George might prevent that from happening. If the 24-year-old returned to Wearside early, it could ease Bloomfield's headache slightly.

However, the battle for the number one spot will still be fierce between Ravizzoli and George, as both look to secure the gloves. This will all boil down to who makes the most of their opportunities over the coming months, impressing the Wanderers' boss by performing well in matches and training.