Solihull Moors midfielder Joe Sbarra has been linked with a move to National League rivals Notts County via social media reports in the last few days, but what are both teams current stances, is a deal possible and what sort of player is he?
The 24-year-old has scored five goals in 19 league appearances so far this season, but he hasn’t featured since Mid-December, when he picked up an ankle injury during the FA Trophy victory against AFC Telford United.
With Solihull Moors’ form dipping and Notts County flying, it is unsurprising to see the rumours escalate but is there any truth in them and what have either side said in regards to them?
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Solihull Moors stance:
Due to the nature of the teams in the Birmingham area, there is very limited coverage in regards to Solihull Moors from reliable sources. However, there has been no indication from the clubs end that any player, let alone Sbarra, is set for an exit.
Manager Neal Ardley confirmed earlier this month that Sbarra was suffering with an ankle injury, but couldn’t put a time stance on when he would be available.
During an interview with the clubs social media team, Ardley stated, “Joe Sbarra is trying everything to get himself fit, the back of his ankle has swollen up after the challenge on him against Telford. He could be a week, 10 days, three days, it’s just about waiting and seeing.”
Therefore, he is believed to be injured and not off to another club.
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Notts County’s Stance:
It is no secret that Notts County have been interested in the 24-year-old for some time. This was even confirmed by the clubs manager Luke Williams.
Speaking to the Nottingham Post, Williams stated, “I think that Joe is a player that has been flagged up before I joined the club.
“He has been watched and I don’t think that would be a surprise to anyone because he is a very high performer in the league at this level.”
However, he does pour cold water on the rumour by saying, “But at the moment, it’s not our business and he is under contract at Solihull and until we are serious to make an actual approach for a player, it is not fair to talk about that.”
This suggests that the player is under consideration, especially given the departure of loanee Quevin Castro. However, he confirms that an approach hasn’t been made, but that doesn’t rule out the transfer completely.
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Is the move possible?
Of course the move is possible, but it would be an expensive deal for Notts County to complete at this moment in time. This is because Sbarra signed a new two-year-deal in the Summer, meaning he still has 18 months left on his contract.
Also, with Ruben Rodrigues at the club as well as the form of Sam Austin, it would make the deal a tad confusing at this stage, giving the clubs already stacked attacking options.
In terms of a fee, no public figure has been revealed, however with him being one of Solihull’s best players, it would cost a six-figure fee. With Chesterfield’s Kabongo Tshimanga estimated to be valued at around £500,000, Sbarra’s valuation won’t be too different to that.
If we were discussing a summer transfer, then this would certainly be much more likely, given Notts County are leading the way to returning back to the football league. This could also make the deal more affordable without the risk of having to offload players to fund a move. However, with Solihull Moors facing Notts County this evening, a lot of questions will continue to be asked.
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What type of player is Sbarra?
The 24-year-old is an attacking midfielder who can also operate out-wide, but is better suited through the middle. He is a true workhorse who simply doesn’t stop running for his side. When he gets the ball, he likes to bring other players into play and has pace and an eye for goal, backed up by the 18 league goals he scored last season.
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What can we conclude?
Notts County fans seem convinced on social media that Joe Sbarra is set to join them in the coming days. However, there has been nothing from the Solihull Moors end that would suggest that a deal is happening let alone close. We cannot rule out the social media reports but it’s a case of taking things with a pinch of salt until some news emerges from more reliable sources like clubs, local journalists or papers.