Henrik Pedersen looks back on another tough Sheffield Wednesday result against QPR
Sheffield Wednesday have rekindled their interest in Manchester City midfielder Jaden Heskey.
Manchester City youngster Jaden Heskey is back on Sheffield Wednesday’s radar following the opening of the January transfer window.
However, their options are limited because they are only permitted to bring in loan signings where a fee is not required. Pedersen admitted the Owls’ list of targets had become ‘smaller’ after being dealt that particular blow.
Heskey, who is the son of former England striker Emile, was on Wednesday’s radar back in the summer, but they were not given the green light to bring him to Hillsborough because of their financial struggles.
Desperate to bring in some fresh blood this month to ease some of the pressure on the current members of their depleted squad, Wednesday are understood to have identified Heskey as a target again.
Who is Jaden Heskey?
Heskey is a 20-year-old midfielder, who can also play in a variety of attacking roles, who is a product of City’s academy. He joined the Premier League club at the age of eight and signed a scholarship deal in 2022.
He is currently the captain of City’s Elite Development Squad (Under-21s).
What has he done so far?
After joining City’s academy at eight-years-old, he was rewarded with a scholarship in 2022. He has steadily developed since then, becoming one of the most recognised figures within City’s academy system.
Establishing himself as a regular fixture for City’s U18s in 2022/23, Heskey scored three goals and registered two assists in 12 U18s Premier League fixtures. He also made three substitute appearances for the U21s in the Premier League 2 that season, chipping in with one goal in a 6-0 win over rivals Manchester United.
Playing predominantly as a forward that season, Heskey has since developed into a midfielder, meaning he could bring a wealth of versatility to Hillsborough.
Jaden Heskey is attracting interest from Sheffield Wednesday.placeholder image
Jaden Heskey is attracting interest from Sheffield Wednesday. | Getty Images
The 2023/24 season was also successful for Heskey as he scored 11 goals in 36 games across all youth settings for City. Three of those goals were scored in six Premier League 2 matches for the U21s.
Heskey became a more familiar fixture for the U21s last term, making 19 Premier League 2 appearances, but he started to play more frequently in midfield, meaning his attacking output was naturally not quite as eye-catching. Nevertheless, he earned more valuable experience, including three appearances in the EFL Trophy against League One and Two opposition.
He made his senior debut for City earlier this season, stepping off the bench in a 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town in the third round of the Carabao Cup. He stepped off the bench 14 minutes from time, replacing Nico O’Reilly. Heskey’s younger brother, Reigan, 17, made his City debut on the same evening.
What could he bring to Wednesday?
In a word: versatility. Starting out as a striker, Heskey has developed into a midfield player, capable of offering both defensive and attacking traits. With Wednesday’s squad so stretched, boss Pedersen could do with as much versatility as possible.
Of course, the Owls, in their current position, would benefit from some experience, but the restrictions they are operating under mean that their options have been narrowed. But based on the success of Harry Amass’ loan spell in S6, there is nothing to say Heskey could not have a similar impact.
Jaden Heskey made his senior debut for Manchester City in September.placeholder image
Jaden Heskey made his senior debut for Manchester City in September. | Getty Images
The youngster would benefit from earning some regular first-team football, strengthening his development, and Wednesday would benefit from having an extra body in the building.
What has been said about him?
Offering a vague summary of what his son is like as a player, former England and Liverpool man Emile, speaking to the Mail, said of his eldest son back in August: “The older one is a bit of a beast like I was. They've both (Jaden and Reigan) got similar attributes."
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