Sheffield Wednesday are preparing for a busy transfer window after avoiding relegation.
Sheffield Wednesday will say goodbye to the likes of George Byers and Lee Gregory, while a number of players are also in talks over extending their contracts.
The Owls will be looking to add a host of fresh faces to their ranks as they look to climb further up the Championship table next season.
Danny Rohl will undoubtedly have his own transfer targets from across Europe, but there is also no harm in looking to the free agent market.
Wednesday have indulged in free transfers a lot over the years, but haven’t necessarily made smart decisions on them.
There is once again plenty of talent available for nothing this summer, while there are many players that Wednesday should be avoiding.
Sixteen Championship clubs have confirmed their retained list so far.
We have taken a look at one player who has been released from each club that Wednesday could sign.
19 free agents that Sheffield Wednesday could sign
Blackburn Rovers – Sam Barnes
This was an extremely tough one as Blackburn haven’t actually released any of their senior players.
Sheffield Wednesday are unlikely to snap up one of Blackburn’s former youngsters, but if they did, Sam Barnes could be the best option.
The defender made his senior debut as a start in a 4-3 win over Walsall in the Carabao Cup last year, but his time at Ewood Park has been ruined by injuries.
Birmingham City – Scott Hogan
Wednesday werealready linked with Scott Hogan back in January and could be tempted to sign him on a free transfer.
The striker only scored once this term, but had 20 goals in his previous two in the Championship.
Bristol City – Matty James
An experienced head, Matty James has been released despite starting 33 games and captaining the Robins this season.
The 32-year-old has 247 appearances in the Championship to his name, as well as winning the second division title with Leicester in 2013/14.
Coventry City – Dermi Lusala
Dermi Lusala joined Coventry City from Tottenham Hotspur in 2022.
The 21-year-old captained Coventry’s U21 side earlier this season, while he was also an unused substitute on 15 occasions for the senior team.
Lusala’s versatility could be very tempting – having played all across the backline during his youth career.
Having previously been tipped to make his breakthrough at Coventry, Lusala could be a promising signing.
Huddersfield Town – Brahima Diarra
Brahima Diarra only managed to rack up five starts for Huddersfield this season, but has showed a lot of promise and has attracted plenty of interest.
The likes of West Brom, Leicester and Hull have all been linked with a move for the 20-year-old, as well as numerous other Championship clubs.
There will be a lot of fight to sign him this summer, but Wednesday could consider joining the race.
Hull City – Aaron Connolly
Aaron Connolly netted ten goals in 33 appearances for Hull, though only started in 17 of those games.
The striker fell out of favour at Hull and is now available for nothing, which seems like a real risk-free move for the Owls.
Middlesbrough – Paddy McNair
Paddy McNair had been a regular for Middlesbrough in the Championship for years, but had fallen down the pecking order under Michael Carrick this season.
The 29-year-old can play in midfield and defence, and also has 19 goals and 13 assists in 212 appearances in the second tier.
Millwall – Shaun Hutchinson
Milllwall only released two players, so this is another tough one.
Shaun Hutchinson turns 34 years old this year, but has racked up 252 appearances in the Championship.
The defender could be a good one for the dressing room and squad depth, but maybe best to avoid.
Plymouth Argyle – Callum Burton
Another tricky one, but Callum Burton could be a useful back-up goalkeeper for Wednesday.
The Owls’ first choice James Beadle has returned to Brighton, leaving them with very few options.
Burton made 18 appearances in League One last term and memorably saved three successive penalties in the EFL Tropy semi-final, sending them through to the final.
Preston North End – Ben Woodburn
Ben Woodburn could be a similar signing to Ian Poveda, though the 24-year-old’s decline has probably been a lot more dramatic.
Woodburn became Liverpool’s youngest goalscorer in 2016 and looked to be the next big thing, but quickly went downhill.
The Welshman has only managed eight goals in 139 appearances for Liverpool and across the EFL.
If anyone can reignite his form it would be Danny Rohl, but it could still be a risky move.
QPR – Andre Dozzell
Andre Dozzell was very highly-rated during his time at Ipswich Town, having been named their Young Player of the Year in 2015-16, before winning the Under-19 Euros with England the following year.
His move to QPR wasn’t quite as successful though, while he struggled to impress whilst on loan at Birmingham City.
Dozzell is still only 25 years old and will be eager to reignite his career.
Rotherham United – Cafu
Cafu joined Rotherham after being released by Nottingham Forest last summer.
The midfielder has arguably been one of their few positives, picking up five goal contributions in 20 starts.
He has received plenty of praise from Rotherham fans this season, but is now set to leave after they were relegated.
Stoke City – Tyrese Campbell
Tyrese Campbell has bagged 28 goals in the Championship for Stoke, while he was one of their best players last season with 14 goal contributions.
However, form and injuries have made the current campaign difficult for him, and he has now been released.
Campbell is only 24 years old though and it seems very likely that he will earn himself a decent move, with EFL clubs plus Rangers all interested.
Sunderland – Corry Evans
Corry Evans has spent over a year on the sidelines, but was really important to Sunderland before that.
The midfielder has bags of experience in the EFL and could be a really strong squad player if he can stay fit.
Swansea City – Liam Walsh
Liam Walsh’s career at Swansea was plagued with injuries, with the 20 appearances he made this term the most he had made since joining the club.
The midfielder did win the Swans’ Goal of the Month and managed to feature in their final seven games of the campaign.
Walsh could be a solid signing if he can stay fit.
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