Millwall and Portsmouth have been handed a significant double transfer blow on Deadline Day, with Championship rivals West Bromwich Albion emerging as a late contender for Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Svante Ingelsson. The 27-year-old Swedish player, who has been labelled as 'tremendous' by observers, is now at the centre of a frantic bidding war as the 7 pm deadline approaches.
Millwall's Pursuit Stalls Amid West Brom Interest
Millwall had been actively pursuing Ingelsson in recent weeks, having already secured the signing of Barry Bannan from Sheffield Wednesday earlier this month. The Lions reportedly saw an initial offer of around £300,000 rejected by the Owls, a figure that fell well short of the Yorkshire club's valuation despite their known financial difficulties. This rejection left Millwall's hopes hanging in the balance as the transfer window neared its close.
Portsmouth were also said to have had a bid turned down for the midfielder, adding to the competition for his signature. However, the landscape shifted dramatically when transfer specialist Alan Nixon revealed that West Brom have now entered the fray with a fresh enquiry and a higher bid of £500,000.
West Brom's Late Move and Contract Offer
West Brom's sudden interest comes as they grapple with injury concerns in their squad, particularly affecting midfielders Alex Mowatt and Jayson Molumby this season. The Baggies have not only prepared a substantial fee but are also offering a 'decent contract' to lure Ingelsson to the Midlands. This proactive approach could see them push through a move before the deadline, dealing a severe blow to both Millwall and Portsmouth's aspirations.
Ingelsson has been a consistent performer for Sheffield Wednesday this season, making 28 appearances in the Championship and playing the full 90 minutes in their recent 1-0 defeat to Wrexham. His arrival at Hillsborough on a free transfer from German side Hansa Rostock in 2023 has seen him feature 66 times over two seasons, earning praise for his impactful debut in a 4-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle.
Sheffield Wednesday's Stance on Ingelsson Exit
Despite the flurry of interest, there is growing speculation that Ingelsson may not be on the move today. Joe Crann from The Star, a sister publication, took to social media platform X to express doubts about any surprise exits from Sheffield Wednesday before the deadline. At 5:50 pm, he noted that while deals involving Bailey Cadamarteri, Ndala, and potentially Nakamba were still in play, he did not foresee any other departures from the club.
This uncertainty adds another layer to the transfer saga, as West Brom's active negotiations could face their own setback if Sheffield Wednesday decide to hold onto the midfielder. Ingelsson's value to the team was highlighted by Crann's earlier comments, where he described the player's debut as "one of the best Sheffield Wednesday debuts that I've seen in a long, long time" and labelled his performance as "tremendous."
Impact on the Championship Landscape
The late developments underscore the high-stakes nature of transfer deadline day in the Championship. For Millwall, this represents a potential fatal blow to their recruitment plans, while Portsmouth's hopes have also been dashed. West Brom's intervention could reshape their midfield options and provide a boost in their campaign, especially given their injury woes.
As the clock ticks down to 7 pm, all eyes will be on whether West Brom can secure the deal or if Sheffield Wednesday will stand firm, keeping Ingelsson at Hillsborough. This story is a testament to the unpredictable and often dramatic twists that characterise football's transfer market, with clubs vying for key players to strengthen their squads in the push for success.
