Sheffield Wednesday have never really got it right when it comes to their emerging youth prospects.
Once upon a time, Jamie Vardy was let go far too early, though no one could have envisaged him forging the career he has and similarly, George Hirst has ended up at Leicester City too.
He left for Belgium in 2018, rejecting a deal to link up with Nigel Pearson before finding his way to the Premier League. The 22-year-old has now impressed in a loan spell at the Owls’ local league rivals Rotherham United, where he has been dubbed “very promising” by local press.
Can Cadamarteri make it at Wednesday?
Yes!
No!
The latest name to leave is Liam Shaw, who will swap Hillsborough Stadium for SPFL giants Celtic in the summer.
Wednesday now have another potential future star making waves in the academy set-up in Bailey Cadamarteri, son of former Blades frontman, Danny.
Despite only being 15, the young striker has caught the eye for the U18 squad after being offered a two-year scholarship. Most recently, he bagged a hat-trick in their 5-1 win over Ipswich Town.
Danny, who used to be in charge of that very Owls squad, spoke to The Star about his son’s potential. He said:
“He’s a young U16 – he’s not 16 until May… It’s great for him, and physically he can cope because he’s quite a big boy for his age. It’s nice experience for him.” Before adding: “He started to get a bit more credit for his own performances then, rather than people thinking it was because of me.”
As he approaches his 18th birthday in the next few years, Wednesday chairman Dejphon Chansiri must ensure that Catamarteri is tied down to the club’s future, rather than leaving it too late, and following the same path as Hirst.
Goalscoring has long been a problem for the Owls – particularly this season as no one has scored more than six all campaign – so keeping hold of a kid with so much potential up top will be imperative in the long run, especially under a progressive manager like Darren Moore, too.
As soon as it can happen, the 15-year-old must be offered a professional contract. The Owls cannot afford to keep letting this happen.
AND in other news, Owls must wave goodbye to 2017 flop this summer, he’s not good enough…