It has been a busy start to the transfer window for Sheffield Wednesday following their successful battle for survival in the Championship.
The Owls appeared set for an immediate return to League One after a disastrous start to last season under Xisco Munoz. However, they achieved safety following a remarkable turnaround under Danny Röhl, finishing 20th in the table.
| Championship standings 2023/24 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team | P | GD | Pts | |
| 17 | Stoke City | 46 | -11 | 56 |
| 18 | QPR | 46 | -11 | 56 |
| 19 | Blackburn Rovers | 46 | -14 | 53 |
| 20 | Sheffield Wednesday | 46 | -24 | 53 |
| 21 | Plymouth Argyle | 46 | -11 | 51 |
| 22 | Birmingham City (R) | 46 | -15 | 50 |
| 23 | Huddersfield Town (R) | 46 | -29 | 45 |
| 24 | Rotherham United (R) | 46 | -52 | 27 |
Sheffield Wednesday received a significant boost when manager Danny Röhl signed a new long-term contract in May. The German has been proactive in rebuilding his squad, bringing in nine new signings this summer: James Beadle, Ben Hamer, Max Lowe, Yan Valery, Svante Ingelsson, Nathaniel Chalobah, Olaf Kobacki, Jamal Lowe, and Charlie McNeill.
Several key players, including Liam Palmer, Dominic Iorfa, Barry Bannan, and Josh Windass, have signed new contracts. However, Cameron Dawson and Will Vaulks departed after rejecting contract extensions, and Ciaran Brennan, Reece James, George Byers, Tyreeq Bakinson, Juan Delgado, and Lee Gregory have been released.
Wednesday’s season kicks off on Sunday, August 11th, when they host Plymouth Argyle. With more transfer activity expected in the coming weeks, here are two deals that could materialize before the start of the new campaign:
In: Scott Wright
Sheffield Wednesday have already made nine signings this summer, but their transfer activity is far from over. According to Football Insider, the Owls have offered a contract to Rangers winger Scott Wright.
Wright has scored 12 goals and provided seven assists in 117 games for Rangers since joining from Aberdeen in February 2021, including four goals in 33 appearances last season. However, he may be allowed to leave Ibrox this summer.
Rangers are reportedly asking for a six-figure fee for Wright, who has one year left on his contract. While Wednesday have made a proposal to the 26-year-old, they face competition from several League One and Championship clubs.
When asked about the potential signing of Wright earlier this month, Wednesday manager Xisco Muñoz refused to comment on the rumors but did not deny the club’s interest in the Scotsman. “Next, we still have some decisions going on, we know this,” Muñoz told The Star. “It was a good start to pre-season and now we find hopefully the next players. I will not speak about names, it makes no sense because this market goes so quick. We have an idea of what we want to have, I have an idea of how we want to play in the new season and we know what we have to improve. Then it’s about the right pieces to make our squad stronger because we are very ambitious for the new season. I think we have to do more, how much you will see.”
There have been conflicting reports about the Owls’ interest in Wright, with The Star stating that “as things stand, Wednesday aren’t believed to have anything in the works regarding the winger.” However, as he continues to be linked with a move to Hillsborough, it would not be surprising to see him arrive before the start of the season.
Additionally, Sheffield Wednesday forward Josh Windass revealed he came close to leaving the club this summer before signing a new contract.
Out: Mallik Wilks
Sheffield Wednesday do not have many sellable assets, but winger Mallik Wilks is one player they might look to cash in on this summer.
Wilks joined the Owls from Hull City in August 2022 after a prolonged transfer pursuit. However, his first season was disrupted by injuries, resulting in only two goals and five assists in 24 appearances across all competitions.
Last season, Wilks continued to struggle with injuries and managed just one goal in 18 appearances. Consequently, it seems unlikely he will be part of Rohl’s plans for the upcoming season.
Last month, Football Insider reported that League One clubs Charlton Athletic, Reading, and Stockport County were “exploring the possibility of securing a loan or permanent deal” for Wilks. However, there have been no further developments since.
While Wednesday may not secure a large transfer fee for Wilks, they hope to recoup some of the amount they initially paid for the 25-year-old. Selling him quickly would allow Rohl to reinvest the funds into the squad.