“Isn’t the answer” – Sheffield Wednesday told to avoid deal for Bolton Wanderers player | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield Wednesday fan pundit believes the Owls can recruit better options than outgoing Bolton Wanderers defender Ricardo Santos

This article is part of Football League World’s 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sheffield Wednesday have been advised to steer clear of Bolton Wanderers defender Ricardo Santos in the upcoming transfer window, with the 29-year-old available on a free this summer.

Santos has been at the Toughsheet community stadium for five years but is set to explore pastures new following the expiration of his contract and has been linked with a move to Hillsborough.

Pete O’Rourke has reported that the Owls, along with Swansea City and Derby County, are all eyeing up a deal for the experienced defender, who has made over 200 appearances for Bolton.

The possibility to secure a free transfer can always prove extremely tempting, especially as it frees up funds for other areas in the squad. Despite that, FLW’s Sheffield Wednesday fan pundit, Patrick McKenna, believes that the club should be aiming for bigger and better this summer.

“Isn’t the answer” – Sheffield Wednesday told to leave Ricardo Santos deal alone

“Regarding Ricardo Santos, central defence is the key area we need to focus on in any transfer business,” explained Patrick. “We certainly need at least two new centre-backs.

“It has been painfully obvious for a while that defence has been an area we have not improved on, and we have been punished for it, especially in the second half of last season when we didn't strengthen.

“We just don't have the resources there, especially as Di'Shon Bernard isn’t going to be fit for the start of the season. We certainly do need to strengthen, but Ricardo Santos, unfortunately, isn't the answer.

“We're letting Michael Ihiekwe go, which I think is the correct choice, but he is a better player than Ricardo Santos. I don't think Santos would be better than any of the centre-backs that we have at the club.

“Maybe a few years ago you might have looked at him and thought he might do a decent job but I don't think you could see him as a Championship-quality centre-back.

“If that were the category of player we are going in for this summer, it wouldn't bode well for next season, and it would be disappointing.

“It is absolutely key that we go in for better players because we need to improve on what we have. We can't release someone like Ihiekwe and then bring in someone worse.”

Sheffield Wednesday need defensive improvements, but should aim higher

As eluded to by Patrick, the Owls desperately need to recruit some defensive reinforcements this summer, if they are to push further up the Championship next year.

Wednesday looked set to put a real bid in for a play-off place throughout the first part of the season, but were left behind by their competitors following a January transfer window where the team stagnated and didn’t improve.

This was one of outbound manager Danny Rohl’s biggest gripes with the club, and a situation that made his departure an easier decision.

However, Santos may not have the outright quality to raise the level at Hillsborough.

The Portuguese defender played a pivotal role in Bolton’s success throughout the lower levels of the EFL but may not have the required ability to mix it in the second-tier.

As a result, Wednesday could be better suited to explore other options that may bring a guaranteed improvement to the side’s backline.

Furthermore, until Rohl’s departure is confirmed and a replacement is secured, the Owls have to be careful not to recruit players that a newcomer may not take a liking to, ultimately rendering the addition a waste of money and resources.