Speaking to the Sheffield Star, Joost van Aken has insisted that his price tag does not faze him and he is ready to show Sheffield Wednesday he is worth it.

After months of searching for defensive reinforcements over the summer, Wednesday moved late in the transfer window to add two defenders to their squad.

Frederico Venancio has arrived at Hillsborough on a season-long loan, whilst van Aken has arrived at Hillsborough from Heerenveen for a reported £4m transfer-fee.

The Dutch defender made over 90 appearances in Holland, and the 23-year-old is confident that he can justify the large fee Wednesday paid for his service, he said: “It (the fee) doesn’t feel like pressure. I am confident in my own ability.

“The club wanted me so I have to show the qualities that they think I have.”

Wednesday’s options in central defence have been stretched over recent weeks, with Glenn Loovens ruled out injured, leaving Tom Lees as Carlos Carvalhal’s only recognised centre-back available.

Van Aken is expected to compete with Venancio for a place alongside Lees in Wednesday’s defence, with Loovens unable to put a timescale on the injury that is currently keeping him out of first-team action.

The Owls will be going in search of just their second victory in the Championship this season when they face Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough this weekend.

Carvalhal’s side have six-points from their opening six fixtures of the season.

The Verdict

£4m is a lot to spend on a defender, particularly one that has not proved himself in the Championship, which is a division that can be hard to adjust to.

However, Wednesday’s supporters will be encouraged by van Aken’s attitude, with the 23-year-old confident that he can justify the hefty fee that the Owls have paid to bring him to England.

The Dutch defender has arrived at the perfect time, with Carvalhal starved of defensive options before the international break.

Sheffield Wednesday fans… Let us know your thoughts!