Jerry Yates permanent transfer? Henrik Pedersen drops Sheffield Wednesday hint | OneFootball

Jerry Yates has scored three goals in his last three Sheffield Wednesday appearances

Jerry Yates made the move to Sheffield Wednesday during the end of the January transfer window.

The forward joined on loan from Luton Town after he struggled for form in Jack Wilshere’s side in League One.

The 29-year-old has made a positive impact at Hillsborough since arriving in the winter market, contributing three goals from nine league appearances.

He has become a popular figure among supporters, even as the team continues to struggle for results in the Championship.

The Yorkshire outfit have already officially suffered relegation to the third tier, with significant off-field issues, including going into administration in October, hampering their ability to compete at this level.

However, Yates’ arrival has provided a rare positive spark for fans this season, with his future up in the air going into the summer.

Henrik Pedersen provides hint at Jerry Yates’ Sheffield Wednesday future

Pedersen gave a short but tantalising response when asked about the possibility of being able to sign Yates in the summer.

The club are set to be under transfer restrictions when the market reopens, but the Dane still hinted that some kind of agreement may be on the cards when the season ends.

When asked if his availability has been discussed with Luton, he replied, via The Star: “No, not yet. But let’s see.”

The Sheffield Wednesday boss outlined just how much Yates has enjoyed his time with the club so far.

While the forward had an initially slow start to life at Hillsborough, he has now scored in each of the team’s last three fixtures.

“He has been strong for us,” Pedersen added.

“It was clear to see in his first game that he has not played for a long period, but I think the first conversation I had with him on the phone was a good picture of how much he wanted to play for Sheffield Wednesday.

“Because I could hear the love in his voice when we spoke the first time, that, wow, Sheffield Wednesday is a big club and it will be an honour if I can play for them.

“And this feeling you also feel when you see him run around on the pitch, that he will do everything that he can to help our club to make a good performance.

“And now he starts to be more fit, so he starts to be a better pressing player, but he also starts to have more action on the ball, more deep runs.

“And then he likes to come into the box and he's scored three-headers now, so it's very, very strong.”

David Stroch has been named as the new preferred bidder to buy Sheffield Wednesday, offering supporters some light at the end of the tunnel following a disastrous last 12 months.

The group led by the American is still seeking ratification from the EFL, but there is optimism that a takeover can be completed swiftly.

However, the Owls will still be under transfer restrictions going into the summer market, with it being reported that a maximum wage bill will be enforced on the squad.

This could have a big impact on the club’s possible pursuit of a deal to keep Yates at Hillsborough for next season.

Next up for Sheffield Wednesday is a home clash against promotion-chasing Ipswich Town on 14 March in a 3pm kick-off.

Jerry Yates loan deal next season could work for all parties

Yates wasn’t working out at Luton, as he scored just twice in his 22 appearances in League One, so this loan move has worked out well.

It would make sense for him to remain at Hillsborough, likely on another loan for now, given how well things have gone, and he could be a key factor in helping the team be competitive next season.

Despite performing well in the Championship, it’s hard to imagine the 29-year-old having a pathway back into the Hatters’ first team plans.

Sheffield Wednesday will have greater priorities in the coming few weeks than sorting out any kind of deal for Yates, but that is the kind of move that can wait as he is clearly enjoying his time at the club for now.