Sheffield Wednesday has had a hectic start to the transfer window following their Championship survival.
After a dismal start to the previous season under Xisco Munoz, the Owls appeared doomed to return to League One right away. However, they secured safety after a stunning turnaround under Danny Rohl, finishing 20th in the standings.
2023–2024 championship standings
group
P
GD
Points
17
Stoke on Trent
46
-11
56
18
QPR
46
-11
56
19
Rovers of Blackburn
46
-14
53
20
Wednesday in Sheffield
46
-24
53
21
Argyle of Plymouth
46
-11
51
22
City of Birmingham (R)
46
-15
50
23
Town of Huddersfield (R)
46
-29
45
24
United Rotherham (R)
46
-52
27
Rohl’s long-term deal, which he signed in May, gave Wednesday a significant lift, and the German has not wasted any time in starting to reassemble his team.
Thus far this summer, the Owls have added nine new players on their roster: James Beadle, Ben Hamer, Max Lowe, Yan Valery, Svante Ingelsson, Nathaniel Chalobah, Olaf Kobacki, Jamal Lowe, and Charlie McNeill.
In addition to Ciaran Brennan, Reece James, George Byers, Tyreeq Bakinson, Juan Delgado, Lee Gregory, and Cameron Dawson leaving after declining an extension offer, Liam Palmer, Dominic Iorfa, Barry Bannan, and Josh Windass have all signed new contracts.
We looked at two stories that might continue until the transfer window closes, which is more than a month away. The Owls will probably make a lot more additions and subtractions during this time.
Within: Ike Ugbo
Ike Ugbo jubilant with his goal
After joining Wednesday on loan from Troyes in January, striker Ike Ugbo shone.
In 19 games during the second half of the season, Ugbo scored seven goals and dished out one assist. It is safe to state that the Owls would not be in the Championship without his help.
This summer, Wednesday hopes to permanently return Ugbo to Hillsborough; however, Troyes turned down their first offer for the 25-year-old, so the French team is reportedly waiting on a better offer.
While Ugbo is apparently eager to return to South Yorkshire, the Owls will have to contend with bids from Queens Park Rangers, Stoke City, and Birmingham City for his services.
The amount that Wednesday is willing to pay on Ugbo is still unknown, but considering that Troyes paid €3 million (£2.5 million) for the Canadian international, they probably want to at least recover that cost, if not turn a profit.
Other clubs may now enter the race for Ugbo, igniting a bidding war that might delay the resolution of his destiny until the last minute.
Di’Shon Bernard for Wednesday’s game in Sheffield
Sheffield Wednesday’s player agreement has received plaudits, calling it “another huge boost.”
The center defender has a multi-year contract with the Owls.
Mallik Wilks is out.
Mallik Wilks
Winger Mallik Wilks arrived on Wednesday from Hull City in August 2022 after a protracted transfer pursuit, but he has not lived up to the hype thus far.
Wilks’s future at Hillsborough is questionable as he has struggled with injuries during his tenure, and last season he managed just one goal in 18 appearances across all competitions.
A recent interview with Josh Windass, Wilks’ teammate, revealed that the winger “looks in terrific shape,” which has dispelled many of the rumors that his departure was imminent this summer.
Although Football Insider reported last month that Charlton Athletic, Reading, and Stockport County—three teams in League One—are “exploring the prospect of obtaining a loan or permanent deal” for Wilks, it still appears probable that the 25-year-old will be leaving before the end of the transfer window.
Wilks’ future may not be settled anytime soon because the Owls, who paid a transfer fee for him, will undoubtedly prefer a permanent deal over a loan. However, there are doubts about whether any of Wilks’ suitors could match his valuation, and based on Windass’ remarks, it appears that he is determined to battle for his spot during preseason.
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