Sheffield Wednesday legend and EFL pundit Carlton Palmer has warned his former club to stay away from potential free-agent signing Ravel Morrison after recent transfer rumours emerged.
The Owls are currently fighting for their lives to stay in the Championship under head coach Danny Rohl and have two important games on the horizon against Bristol City at home today before a potential season-defining showdown away at Rotherham United next weekend.
Sheffield Wednesday have picked up form in recent weeks, earning big victories over Birmingham City and fellow relegation-threatened Millwall to keep within four points of safety, with merely 13 matches of the season remaining.
🎥 Catch up on the gaffer's pre-match press conference ahead of #SHWBRC
— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) February 22, 2024
According to a report that emerged from TEAMtalk last week, the South Yorkshire club are weighing up a move for former Derby County and Manchester United star Ravel Morrison but face competition for the Jamaica international’s signature from League One outfits Peterborough United and Bolton Wanderers.
Morrison was previously contracted to MLS side DC United but was made a free agent after being axed from the squad by former boss Wayne Rooney last February, meaning he has now gone an entire year without playing.
Speaking to Football League World about the reports that Morrison could be the next player through the doors at Hillsborough, club legend Palmer has warned his old team that the 31-year-old may not be worth the gamble.
“We all know that he’s a talented player, we all know that he’s underachieved at the club that he’s been at, and he could be the difference with 13 games remaining between getting relegated or getting promoted.
“But for me, it’s still a massive gamble because you don’t know what you’re going to get from him.
“He’s getting older, and people think he’s still going to deliver on his day,” he continued.
“The clubs are in the position they are in, and if you take him on a short-term contract, hopefully, he produces some moments of magic that might help you get promotion or stay in the league.
“Is he worth the gamble? Not for me, but he might be for those clubs.”
Writer’s View
Palmer is right, this would be a significant gamble for Sheffield Wednesday, even though the player will be coming in on a free. Morrison’s track record at clubs, despite his continuously cited talent, is horrendous.
That being said, Morrison had a reasonably successful stint with Derby County when the Rams were relegated in the 2021/22 season, but that may have been due to Rooney’s influence. An inexperienced coach like Rohl may not be able to handle the playmaker’s boorish exploits.