Why Derby Should Beat Fulham To The Signing Of Sheyi Ojo
Rumours abound that Rafael Bentez is still contemplating bringing Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo to Newcastle United before the summer is out. However, those look wide of the mark.
Despite Yoan Gouffran’s departure, the Toon have Matt Ritchie, Rolando Aarons, Christian Atsu and now Jacob Murphy at their disposal in wide areas and have no real need for the England under-20 international. Championship clubs Fulham and Derby are very much interested in Ojo.
Although perfectly happy on the left, Ojo can play as a modern right-winger, cutting in onto his stronger left foot. In this regard, he could be a fine replacement for the departed Tom Ince and that’s something Derby need to take very seriously.
Ince scored 13 in 37 when starting on the right-hand side last term and that makes him a tough act to follow. They don’t have anyone in the squad remotely capable of filling his boots out on that side and so new blood is essential. Ojo is available on loan for the year and that may just be right for Derby, who can reassess their position at the end of the upcoming Championship season.
Ojo already has experience in this division, having spent time on loan as a 17-year-old at Wigan Athletic and then later on at Wolves, where he scored 3 in 19 from out wide. With another 3 years of experience behind him and a handful of Premier League appearances under his belt at Anfield, we will see a much better Ojo in the Championship this time around, and he could prove to be a canny signing for Gary Rowett.
As for the Fulham connection, it would not have escaped Ojo or his representatives’ notice that they already have Sone Aluko, Floyd Ayite, Lucas Piazon, George Williams and Ryan Sessegnon at the club and as such, regular opportunities cannot be guaranteed to him.
At this stage, a loan move to the Championship can only mean first XI football every week for Ojo, if he is to progress properly. Of the two serious suitors, Derby, by far, look like the best option for him. For their part, the Rams absolutely cannot afford to leave that position unfilled before the big kick-off and I’m certain that this is a point not lost on Rowett.
Middlesbrough, and even more sickeningly, Wolves have been spending big and stealing a march in the transfer market so far. So if Derby are to challenge for the title, Ojo, or someone very similar, will be needed.