This post is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which features unique perspectives from our FLW Fan Pundits on the most recent breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings, and more…
Sheffield Wednesday could face a battle to keep Manchester United loanee Harry Amass in January.
Following a summer of upheaval under former owner Dejphon Chansiri, Amass became only Wednesday’s second signing of the window, moving to Hillsborough on a half-season loan on deadline day.
With the Owls subject to severe transfer restrictions, the deal was only approved by the EFL after the Red Devils agreed to pay Amass’ entire salary during his time in South Yorkshire, and, in a further generous gesture to help the troubled Championship club, they are even covering his accommodation costs.
As Wednesday’s squad is currently depleted as a result of the mass exodus over the summer, Amass has virtually been a guaranteed starter for Henrik Pedersen’s side this season, and he has been one of their standout performers in what has been a difficult campaign, made even more difficult by the deduction of 18 points.
It was believed last month that United intended to keep Amass with the Owls for the entire season, but as his short-term loan expires, it appears much less likely that he will finish the season with the second tier’s basement team.
According to the BBC, while Wednesday want to keep Amass, the 18-year-old is attracting interest from other clubs ahead of the January transfer window, and the Red Devils have yet to make a final decision on his future, with an alternative loan move or a possible permanent sale among the options.
Sheffield Wednesday staked a claim on Harry Amass as the major Manchester United decision nears.
When asked if he would be disappointed in Amass if he chose to leave Hillsborough in January, FLW’s Sheffield Wednesday fan pundit Patrick McKenna insisted that he would hold no grudges against the defender if he wanted to play in a more stable environment, but he did admit that he was hopeful the club could keep him.
“If Harry Amass left in January, it would be a massive blow for us, no doubt,” Patrick told the news station.
“He has been great for us, and he has been a true standout performer during some extremely difficult circumstances.
“We can see here that he is a legitimate player, and he appears to be improving. He routinely puts in excellent performances.
“I get the impression that, despite the upheaval, he enjoys his time at the club. Because of our unique circumstances, he is certain to start every week.
“However, if he chooses to leave, that is perfectly fine; I will not hold it against him.”
“Perhaps he believes that, despite the fact that he is starting here every week, losing every week is becoming increasingly aggravating, and he would like to attempt a new setting where things are more normal.
“However, I believe that, at the end of the day, athletes only care about earning minutes on the pitch, so I hope he stays. But I wouldn’t hold it against him if he went somewhere else in January.
Harry Amass and Manchester United face a crucial Sheffield Wednesday call in January.
Amass has established himself to be a more than adequate Championship performer during his time at Wednesday, so it is no wonder that his fan base is growing ahead of the January transfer window, but both the defender and his parent club are at odds about his future.
Amass’ consistent game time with the Owls has been extremely beneficial to his development, and with no certainty of receiving the same level of guaranteed minutes elsewhere, leaving Hillsborough to make an alternate loan move would be a gamble.
However, with Wednesday almost certain to be relegated to League One this season and suffering demoralising defeats most weeks, Amass may be looking to join a club with a genuine chance of success in the second half of the season, and he could be a valuable asset to a promotion-chasing Championship side.
The Owls will understandably be disappointed to lose Amass, but even if he does not extend his loan, his development at the club could help them attract other talented Premier League youngsters in January, with transfer restrictions set to be lifted following a takeover.
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