Sheffield Wednesday are now a few players away from completing revamping their squad.
The Owls welcomed 13 players to the club last summer, but opted for quantity over quality.
Only a handful of those signings proved to be successful and it appears Sheffield Wednesday have now learned their lesson.
The Yorkshire outfit have so far bolstered almost every position, but are still expected to bring in a player for each section of the team’s spine – bar the goalkeeper.
Wednesday’s midfield is likely to have the biggest makeover, having lost four players, leaving Barry Bannan as their only remaining midfielder.
The Owls had attempted to tie Will Vaulks down to a new contract but he opted to join Oxford United, leaving fans concerned over how they were going to replace him.
Nathaniel Chalobah can match Will Vaulks’ ‘bite’
They went onto sign Nathaniel Chalobah on a free transfer, and while there is also concern over his fitness, journalist George Smith believes he could actually be an upgrade on his predecessor.
Speaking on The Championship Chat Podcast, he said: “Chalobah adds a bit of bite in midfield. I think that is quite a smart signing.
“When he’s fit, he’s been there and done it and got the t-shirt. That’s the thing, a couple of promotions on the CV out of the Championship, and we’ll have that bite that Will Vaulks offered. And you dare to say that it is an upgrade on Will Vaulks.
“He’s a little bit more experienced in terms of age, but in terms of promotions on the CV from this division… he’s played for better clubs in this league who have competed at the top end of the division.”
Can Chalobah become as important as his predecessor?
Chalobah is hugely experienced – having won both the Premier League and the Championship, as well as making almost 200 appearances in the second tier and picking up one England cap.
The 29-year-old was highly-rated during his time with Chelsea’s academy but quickly went downhill, and has since struggled to become a key part of any midfield.
Chalobah may have a higher ceiling than Vaulks and could reach better form than him if he can reach his very best this season, but it is difficult to say he is an upgrade based off how he has already performed.
Vaulks was arguably underrated last term and was really important to Wednesday’s revival.
Whether Chalobah can replace that importance is yet to be seen, but he will have to stay fit first.