Chris Powell is already a huge fan of this Sheffield Wednesday summer transfer target, who’s expected to join the club.
Sheffield Wednesday have a number of players in their sights ahead of the summer transfer window, which officially opens for business on June 14th.
The Owls have plenty of gaps to plug and plenty of players to replace and upgrade on, in what is bound to be a busy summer for Danny Rohl.
It should also be a busy summer for the club in general with owner Dejphon Chansiri having already handed Rohl a new three-year contract.
In the transfer market, Sheffield Wednesday have a number of players on their radar, but it looks like free agent goalkeeper Ben Hamer might become their first arrival.
The 36-year-old was let go by Watford at the end of the 2023/24 campaign and reports have revealed that he’s set to join Sheffield Wednesday.
He’ll likely arrive as back-up for a new no.1, which many hope is Brighton youngster James Beadle who shone on loan for the Owls last season, with Cameron Dawson now tipped to leave.
Chris Powell is a huge fan of Sheffield Wednesday target Ben Hamer
Hamer will arrive with the blessing of Chris Powell, whom he played under during Powell’s Charlton Athletic tenure between 2011 and 2014.
The pair won promotion from League One with Charlton in 2012, with Hamer making the PFA League One Team of the Year that season.
He kept 19 clean sheets in 41 League One appearances, conceding just 30 goals as the Addicks won the third tier title by eight points.
That season, Powell spoke highly of Hamer after a 4-0 win over Carlisle United, in which Hamer provided an assist.
Powell said: “The modern day goalkeeper and the way they kick it – I suppose it is the continental style – Ben is one of the best I’ve ever seen.
“He has been in the game a long time but he is very, very good at it and is very accurate. We now know we can counterattack, it’s part of any good team.”
Then in 2014, Powell once again sung his praise of Hamer, following a 2-1 win against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup.
Powell said: “Ben Hamer has been out injured. He’s just came back and I thought it was the right time to play him – and he showed everyone what a fine goalkeeper he is.”
Danny Rohl will love one thing about Sheffield Wednesday target Ben Hamer
When the Owls brought in Beadle, it was largely because of his ability to play out from the back, though he went on to prove his worth as a shot-stopper too.
And Powell speaking highly of Hamer’s ball-playing ability, albeit a long time ago, could be a key factor behind his seemingly imminent arrival at the club.
Powell may well have given Hamer a strong recommendation with Sheffield Wednesday in need of additions on the goalkeeper department, and Hamer available on a free transfer.
He also brings a wealth of experience with him having made 361 career appearances and kept 109 clean sheets, playing for a horde of clubs and winning promotions with Charlton Athletic and Brentford, even winning a League Two Golden Glove with the latter.
Powell’s praise shows us that Hamer is a well-rounded goalkeeper who could yet stake a claim for the no.1 spot at Hillsborough next time round.
The post 'One of the best...': Chris Powell is already a big fan of one Sheffield Wednesday transfer target appeared first on Sheffield Wednesday News.