Championship clubs Norwich City and Middlesborough have failed in their attempts to sign Premier League academy prospect Dexter Lembikisa according to reports.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers full-back has been subject to interest from the Canaries going into the transfer window, after a spell at bottom-side Rotherham United. His only goal for The Millers came against the Norfolk club back in September.
HITC reported that Norwich and Boro have missed out on his services and Lembikisa will instead play for Hearts for the second half of the season, which has since been confirmed by the Black Country club.
Wanderers Pathways manager Steve Davis said: “The demands of being down the bottom and fighting to stay in the league isn’t easy for someone who is an experienced and seasoned pro, nevermind someone who is on their first loan.
“I’ve watched Dexter play a lot and he’s really knuckled down well, settled in well and been a regular addition. We’re really pleased that he’s played that many games and it’s been a terrific spell at Rotherham for him.
“Hearts are a team who are going really well in the Scottish Premiership. They play with confidence to a full house and hopefully Dexter can have more of the ball where he can show a high percentage of what he does at the top end of the pitch.
“He’s very capable in that area of the pitch but hasn’t been able to show it during the first half of the season.”
Coming through the academy system at Molineux, the right-back played four games for Wolves last season. He made a 22-minute cameo at home against Arsenal in the Premier League alongside two FA Cup and one EFL Cup match against Leeds United.
A Jamaican international, Lembikisa helped the Reggae Boyz reach the Copa America and CONCACAF Nations League finals, totalling 14 appearances for the side.
The 20-year-old played 25 matches in South Yorkshire, recording three clean sheets for the club. He boasts a 55% win rate in duels and 119 recoveries.
Hearts are currently third in the Scottish Premiership, 10 points behind Rangers and are currently on a five-match unbeaten run which included inflicting Celtic’s second loss of the season.
Writer’s View
Dexter Lembikisa is highly rated by the coaches at Wolves so it is understandable why the Premier League club have hooked him from his Rotherham loan early. Developing the full-back at a club which is challenging for European football will only benefit him going forward, instead of the pressures of a very difficult relegation battle. The Tynecastle club will offer more offensive opportunities to round out his game.
Both Norwich City and Middlesborough will be disappointed not to get a chance at Lembikisa following his successful loan at the New York Stadium. The Millers are now put into an even more tenuous position having lost one of their regular players to a recall, and have no replacement going into the game against Stoke City. Leam Richardson did hint that the club would bring in players soon and it may not be long before his replacement arrives.
1st Class Honours in Multimedia Journalism at Salford University. Writing mainly about League Two.
