Sheffield Wednesday are set to kick-off the 2024/25 Championship campaign with a home clash against Plymouth Argyle.
The Owls will be looking to start their Championship season with the same positivity and optimism that has run throughout the summer transfer window.
In contrast to a year ago, S6 is a beacon of positivity at the moment, with nine arrivals through the door and Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl becoming gradually happy with the players at his disposal, barring the need to bring a striker in before the twilight of the transfer window.
Sheffield Wednesday stayed up by the skin of their teeth last season, but with no luck or misfortune as they paved the way for themselves and managed the impossible, despite many blockades.
There are still some things that Sheffield Wednesday must get corrected in August, which if they do, they could find themselves coming off the back of a very positive start to the 2024/25 Championship campaign.
- READ MORE: One transfer will make or break Sheffield Wednesday’s season, Dejphon Chansiri must get it done
Sheffield Wednesday must sign Ike Ugbo
Canadian international Ike Ugbo remains the final piece in the puzzle for Sheffield Wednesday’s transfer window after they successfully brought in depth across the pitch.
Tom Cannon has been identified as an alternative, however an injury to veteran Jamie Vardy at Leicester City has damaged any chance of the forward joining on loan.
With the fact that Ugbo has already played and thrived under Rohl, he has to be the top priority this August.
Keep eyes peeled on Premier League loan market
Sheffield Wednesday have already struck gold with the return of James Beadle from Brighton after his brilliant half-a-season at Hillsborough in the 2023/24 Championship season.
The Premier League side have certainly highlighted that their goalkeeper thrived under Rohl at Sheffield Wednesday and as a result, it would be no surprise if any other sides recognise the importance of having a boss such as Rohl nurturing their talents and getting the best out of them.
Rohl has already spoken about how they may delve into the Premier League loan market, and there will no doubt be some shrewd business taken by Sheffield Wednesday in August to ensure they bring in a few extra faces.
Make decision over Cadamarteri’s future
Bailey Cadamarteri is of high interest amongst League One clubs this summer, with many taking a view on bringing the forward in on loan from Hillsborough.
The striker broke into the Sheffield Wednesday side last season under Rohl and played a crucial part at times, however a move down the leagues may be deemed best for his development.
Wrexham are currently front-runners in the pursuit for the forward, however there must be frank discussion as to how much game time he will be given with the Welsh side, with Cadamarteri needing to lead the line for a club in order to maximise his potential and aid his development.
- READ MORE: Why three new Sheffield Wednesday signings were absent for final pre-season friendly against Leganes
Work out who will start out wide in opening Championship clash
Rohl’s biggest selection headache at this moment will arguably be on the two flanks, with many players proving their worth during pre-season.
Initially, Musaba and Gassama stand out as the top choices for Sheffield Wednesday, however new signing Olaf Kobacki has arrived with goalscoring talents and has also performed well on occasions during pre-season.
It may also be a case of Windass getting utilised out wide to fit him in, something that Rohl must decide on based on recent performances of all the options.
Push for a statement victory over Plymouth Argyle
Without speaking too soon, Sheffield Wednesday have arguably been given a very favourable opening clash, in which they will welcome Plymouth Argyle to Hillsborough.
The Owls should ideally be pushing for a statement win over their Championship counterparts and show the rest of the league that they could build on the second half of last season and push up the table.
Wayne Rooney’s side will have the threat of Morgan Whittaker up top, however if Sheffield Wednesday are able to deal with him then they could be well on the way to a comfortable victory.