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Hector faces uncertain future

Published:Saturday | August 10, 2019 | 12:11 AMDaniel Wheeler/Gleaner Writer
El Salvador midfielder Darwin Ceren (left) falls as he attempts to steal the ball from Jamaica defender Michael Hector during the second half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup match on Friday, June 21, 2019, in Houston.
Michael Wyke
El Salvador midfielder Darwin Ceren (left) falls as he attempts to steal the ball from Jamaica defender Michael Hector during the second half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup match on Friday, June 21, 2019, in Houston.

It is likely that Michael Hector will not play competitive football again until January 2020.

The 27-year-old Jamaican international will remain at Chelsea for at least the remainder of 2019 after a proposed permanent move to championship side Sheffield Wednesday collapsed as the transfer window slammed shut Thursday evening.

Hector, who was named Sheffield Wednesday’s Player of the Season during his season-long loan spell last year, has been a target for the Owls for the majority of the summer, but the proposed deal was called off at the last minute after they were not able to meet Chelsea’s reported asking price of £five million.

Wednesday instead signed Hamburg defender David Ball on a season-long loan.

Hector made 37 appearances for the Owls last season, scoring two goals as the club finished in 12th place.

LIMITED RESOURCES STOPPED RETURN

Sheffield Wednesday caretaker-boss Lee Bullen explained that while the club wanted to bring Hector back permanently, the limited resources hindered their ability to finalise the deal.

“I think Michael was always one that was on our radar. But I think it’s important that we work within guidelines. And unfortunately, it wasn’t one we were able to do,” he said, speaking via the club’s official Facebook page.

The centre back, who is on the final year of his contract, was also close to joining Fulham in the championship on deadline day, according to Press Association journalist Simon Peach, and although both sides could not come to an agreement in time, it is reported that they are looking to reach a deal for him in January, when the winter transfer window opens.

Hector has not played a competitive fixture for Chelsea since he was acquired from Reading in 2015 for £5.4 million. He has been sent out on load to Reading, Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, and championship side Hull City before his recent stint at Sheffield Wednesday.

He made his international debut for Jamaica in 2015 under then coach Winfried Schafer and has since made 30 appearances for the Reggae Boyz.