Johnson is the first player through the transfer window at Hillsborough this winter

Last updated : 04 January 2011 By C. Morris

Sheffield Wednesday have moved quickly during the January transfer window to sign Plymouth Argyle centre-back Reda Johnson. The 22-year-old moves to Hillsborough for an undisclosed fee on a three and a half year deal.

At 6ft 3in Johnson is an imposing figure who has represented Benin 3 times at full international level. He started his professional career in France at Gueugnon but moved on to Amiens in 2007 without making an appearance for his first club. Johnson signed for Plymouth under ex-Owls manager Paul Sturrock prior to the start of the 2009/10 campaign and made 25 appearances in his first season at the club.

Johnson has started 15 league games this season and has made a further 3 substitute appearances. He has the potential to be an aerial threat from attacking set pieces having scored twice this term while disciplinary wise he has one red card to his name this season.

Wednesday have been short of options defensively of late and Johnson will be putting pressure on Darren Purse and Mark Beevers for a starting position at the heart of the Owls defence. Reda, who is said to be strong in the air and in  the tackle whilst being comfortable in possession has been compared in some quarters to Madjid Bougherra, whose career blossomed at Hillsborough before moving on to current club Glasgow Rangers via Charlton Athletic.