Sensible Transfers – Winter Window edition (Opinion)

Welcome to Sensible Transfers, the series where we cover transfers for your team. Focusing on Wycombe Wanderers, the League One team flying high, competing against heavy spenders Wrexham and Birmingham at the top of the table, 2 seasons of strong transfers have seen the Chairboys capable of fighting.

But there is still weaknesses in the team, and today we will look at three positions Wycombe could use reinforcements in, starting with Left Back.

Left Back:

Wycombe have plenty of players who, in a pinch, can play Left Back. Midfielder Luke Leahy, CB Alex Hartridge and RB Jasper Pattenden are all capable of filling in the spot, but none can match the dynamic presence of current starting LB, Dan Harvie.

The Scottish LB has shone for the Chairboys as an attacking, overlapping fullback, getting 1g and 3a so far in the League as a nailed on starter. As such, if injuries or suspension occurs, Wycombe will struggle to replace him. Nobody currently in the squad can replicate the attacking threat that Harvie brings to the team, which has been vital in Bloomfield’s system.

West Ham could be someone Wycombe turn to, with 18 year old Oliver Scarles an interesting proposition at Left-Back. Given the ability of previous loanees Freddie Potts and Gideon Kodua to slot into Blooms system, he could be a sensible pickup for 6 months to bolster depth in the area. Loanees however can be quite hit and miss, while some like Potts or Caleb Taylor hit the ground running, others like Kian Breckin or Chem Campbell can struggle to make an impact in senior football.

Two younger fullbacks in League Two present appealing targets in MacKenzie Hunt of Fleetwood Town and Idris Odutayo of Bromley, aged 23 and 22 respectively.

MacKenzie Hunt would likely be a less appealing target for Wycombe, given he is just half a season into his spell with Fleetwood, with another year and a half left on his contract, but ranks well in attacking metrics, with 3 assists from 4 big chances made in the League. He would be a solid pickup given his versatility too. Perhaps not the first choice target.

But it is Idris Odutayo that I suggest as the main target in this area, the 22 year old has performed gallantly in a struggling Bromley side, creating 3 assists and .9 key passes per game. He’s also stronger defensively that one would expect, winning 57.3% of his duels, 75% of his tackles are made successfully, and making 1.4 interceptions per game, all above average for players in his position. With a contract that reportedly runs until the end of this season, he would be a cheaper pickup willing to play the understudy role to the more experienced Harvey as he continues to develop.

But he too has some questions marks, given he has traditionally played more as a wing back in a 5 back system, not as a fullback in a 4 at the back, and has made just 33 senior appearances in his career. There could be question marks over his ability to adapt to a Promotion Chasing L1 team, but as an understudy to Harvie, could fill in well when necessary. It is also worth mentioning that Harvie himself traditionally played as a wingback, or even a LCB before joining Wycombe, so it’s not a transition that’s impossible to make. As an attacking fullback who could fill in for Harvie, a young prospect seems a sensible way to go.

Center-Back:

Another area that needs addition would be the center back role, whilst the area looks strong on paper, with 5 players capable of playing there, there are circumstances to consider that could impact this.

Joe Low and Caleb Taylor have held down the position in the league, but both could leave in the winter window. Joe Low has excelled since joining the Chairboys last summer, but could catch the eye of championship teams above, while West Broms defensive injuries could necessitate the recall of Taylor.  Ryan Tafazolli has suffered frequently from injuries in his spell at Wycombe, is 33 and looks ill-suited to play in Bloomfield’s system, while Alex Hartridge has failed to impress when given game time. As such, only Declan Skura remains, but too isn’t a proven factor, having emerged from Wycombes development team last season and has yet to consistently play in the League. While he is undoubtedly an exciting prospect, he may not be ready yet to start regularly in a title chasing team.

One option would be 22 year old Amadou Salif Mbengue, who has impressed in Readings unlikely promotion playoffs charge under Ruben Selles (Who has since departed Reading to move to Hull). He averages 75% of his passes made accurately whilst putting up strong defensive numbers too. While it would be unpopular, given Readings ownership, from a business perspective it would make sense for Wycombe, given he is out of contract in the summer and Reading may well need transfer revenue to stay afloat.

But given the age of Low, Taylor and Skura, all being under the age of 23, it may be necessary to look for a defender with some more experience to lead the line. One such option would be 27 year old Paudie O’Connor of Lincoln City. He has excelled as the past two seasons with Lincoln, and would add some needed experience to the line, but isn’t an ideal fit. He isn’t a ball playing defender in the vein that Matt Bloomfield has sought out, excelling instead at the physical side of the game. One to keep in mind.

But it is 29 year old Lloyd Jones of Charlton that we would suggest. He has previously been a target of the Chairboys, when he left Cambridge at the end of his contract at the end of the 22/23 season, but he opted to join Charlton instead.

Wycombe have again been linked with him, and it’s not hard to see why. As well as adding needed experience to the backline, he’s also a solid ball playing defender, making 73% of his passes accurately whilst also winning 71% of his total duels. Strong with the ball at his feet but also at the defensive side of the game, the CB would be a perfect addition to Wycombes lineup.

Attacking Midfielder:

Cameron Humphreys has made the attacking midfielder slot his own since joining on loan. One issue. He’s a loanee and there is no way in hell could Wycombe could afford him. Not even close.

Wycombe need someone long term they could rely on in the position, and honestly depth now, as the team looks worse without his movement, passing and vision. Josh Scowen has performed well there, but both excells in a deeper role, and has been absent in the past month due to injury.

Lewis Orford and Harvey Vale on loan would add depth, but simply kicks the can down the road for a genuine long term option, although Vale especially would be a quality addition who could play across the attack.

Jack Moylan would be an interesting option, the 23 year old currently at Lincoln ranks incredibly highly in attacking stats, his 0.19 goals per 90 and 0.13 assists per 90 ranking in the top 10% of League One players. He creates 1.41 chances per game too, and is in the top 1% for dribbles made per game. However, having only joined Lincoln in January of 2024, he is likely tied down to a long term deal. Wycombe have shown little appetite to spend big in the market even with Lomdatze’s takeover.

Ethan Galbraith would be my pick, typically he has played as a center midfielder, but also in a more advanced position. His contract expires this summer, and is an extremely versatile player, having played over 20 times at Right Back, aswell as all areas of center midfielder, defensive and attacking. He manages 80.6% of his passes accurately, in the top 23% of players in the League aswell as notching 3 goals and 1 assist so far for Leyton Orient. At 23, he’s not done developing yet either and has Premier League pedigree, having developed in Manchester United’s academy. Albiet so did Di’Mani Mellor.