Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper James Beadle is close to returning to Sheffield Wednesday for a second loan spell, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
The 19-year-old spent the second half of the 2023-24 campaign at Hillsborough, making 19 appearances as the Owls made an unlikely escape from relegation. Beadle impressed fans while in South Yorkshire, and manager Danny Rohl clearly shares that feeling and wants the player back.
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Beadle came through at Charlton Athletic’s academy, before moving to current club Brighton in 2022. He is, however, yet to play a senior game for the Seagulls, and has been sent out on a range of loans.
The keeper’s first move was to Crewe Alexandra towards the end of the 2022-23 season, making nine appearances for the Railwaymen in League Two. He then started the 2023-24 campaign at Oxford United, playing 28 times in all competitions under both Liam Manning and Des Buckingham at the start of the U’s promotion-winning campaign.
It was then that his parent club decided to recall the shot-stopper from the Kassam Stadium, clearly feeling he could play at a higher level. He was subsequently sent on his third loan in as many divisions and was instrumental in his time in Sheffield as Wednesday avoided relegation on the final day of the season.
Beadle is unlikely to feature much at the AMEX Stadium so another loan may be wise in supporting his development, and a return to familiar surroundings would bring much needed stability.
For Wednesday, a move would see them continue a busy start to the window as they look to move away from the bottom end of the table. Beadle would be the club’s third signing, having already added Jamal Lowe and Svante Ingelsson to their ranks, and bringing the 19-year-old back would highlight their ambitions ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
Writer’s View
This is a fantastic move for Beadle and Wednesday. The Owls know what they’re getting in a player who was key for them last season and look to be keen to push up the table with Beadle likely to play a big part.
As for the player, he’s going to get valuable first-team minutes for a club that clearly love him, which will only help his development. Come the end of the season, this loan could be crucial in deciding where his future lies.
