Sheffield Wednesday need to start looking at some new midfield maestros this summer.
Sheffield Wednesday are already in talks over new contracts for Barry Bannan and Will Vaulks, but the exits of George Byers, Tyreeq Bakinson, Momo Diaby and Jeff Hendrick leaves a big hole in the squad.
The Owls will surely be prepared to put some cash in towards their transfer business this summer, with Danny Rohl unlikely to commit to a new contract if promises can’t be made.
So perhaps we could see some money being splashed on a new ten-plus striker or a tricky winger with pace to burn – but a midfielder could be just as important.
Wednesday can’t rely on Bannan and Vaulks all season, especially given their age.
They should look to add a couple of midfielders to their ranks and they don’t even necessarily have to pay a thing.
Paddy McNair can add versatility and quality
One player that the Owls should take a look at is Paddy McNair, who has been released after six years with Middlesbrough.
McNair was once very highly-rated as a teenager, making his senior debut for Manchester United and being hailed as ‘amazing’ with a ‘bright future‘ by Juan Mata.
However, the excitement quickly faded and he eventually joined Sunderland, where he endured back-to-back relegations.
The Northern Ireland international quickly returned to the Championship and has been vital to Boro for most of his time with the club.
McNair racked up a total of 219 appearances for Boro and has made his mark in both defence and midfield, while he briefly played at full-back this season too.
Michael Carrick has previously praised the ‘terrific‘ defender, while Neil Warnock claimed in 2020 that he was ‘the best’ he’s ever seen after managing Boro for 17 months.
Sheffield Wednesday would face worldwide competition
McNair only turned 29 years old last month and still has plenty of talent to give, but was unfortunate to fall out of favour under Carrick and had only started six games since the start of December.
Rangers, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Como have all expressed interest in signing McNair, but the potential to stay in the north of England could be tempting to him.
Sheffield Wednesday will definitely have to spend some money if they are to make next season miles better than the previous, but bringing in a free agent like McNair to bolster their squad depth seems completely risk-free and a sensible option.