BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, applauds the fans after the team's defeat during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion at Vitality Stadium on April 28, 2024 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Roberto De Zerbi has discussed James Beadle’s future as Sheffield Wednesday look to bring him back to the club.
James Beadle joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan in January and went onto pick up eight clean sheets in 19 games – the second-highest percentage of any goalkeeper to play over two matches in the Championship.
The 19-year-old has now returned to Brighton & Hove Albion upon the end of his loan switch, but the Owls have made it clear that they wish to bring him back after avoiding relegation.
Beadle’s future remains unclear, with both Jason Steele and Bart Verbruggen continuing to battle it out for their first choice spot.
Meanwhile, Carl Rushworth has also returned from his loan spell at Swansea City, while Tom McGill still awaits his first senior appearance for the Seagulls.
While it seemed likely that they could offload at least one ‘keeper this summer, De Zerbi’s comments on their upcoming pre-season campaign could be of concern to Wednesday.
De Zerbi’s pre-season plans will include James Beadle
With Verbruggen and McGill both on international duty this summer, the Brighton manager has confirmed his plans for Beadle during pre-season.
As per The Argus, De Zerbi said: “Beadle and Rushworth are both very good goalkeepers.
“Maybe in pre-season we start with both because Bart will play in Europe and Tom the Copa America with Canada.
“I will have much time to analyse both.”
This could provide Beadle with an opportunity to impress the Italian coach, as he looks to force his way into the first-team.
De Zerbi may be eager to keep the teenager around for pre-season either way, while a recent report claiming Arsenal are interested in Steele could also encourage Brighton to keep hold of Beadle as back-up next term.
Could Brighton still bring the goalkeeper back?
Sheffield Wednesday‘s interest in the youngster isn’t likely to end anytime soon, but they may have to wait until later in the window if they are to bring him back to Hillsborough.
The Owls could see Cameron Dawson leave the club this summer and so will need at least two new goalkeepers in their ranks, and bringing in Beadle makes a lot of sense.
Given his success this season, De Zerbi will surely see the benefit of sending him back to Yorkshire.
However, it may just depend on where Steele ends up and how much the England U20 international impresses during pre-season.
If not, the likes of Rotherham United’s Viktor Johansson and Wigan Athletic’s Player of the Year Sam Tickle could be good options to fill the gap in between the sticks.
