Sheffield Wednesday need a striker. And this recently released former Owls hitman could be the perfect silution.
Sheffield Wednesday went into this month desperately needing to sign a striker, and they did so fairly quickly, bringing in Ike Ugbo on loan from Troyes.
But he’s barely featured so far, playing just once in the Championship, and there’s a growing sense among fans that another striker is now needed; especially with Michael Smith being closely linked with a move to Derby County.
The loan market looks like the key one for Danny Rohl. Finances are as tight as ever at Hillsborough but Rohl might yet find a gem on the free agent market; former Wednesday striker Lucas Joao.
Lucas Joao becomes a free agent
Joao, now 30, became a free agent earlier this month after seeing his short-term deal with Chinese outfit Shanghai Port come to an end.
The 4-cap Angola international last pulled on a Sheffield Wednesday shirt in the 2019/20 season before Reading snapped him up; he went on to score 42 Championship goals in almost four full seasons in Berkshire, with 19 of those coming in the 2020/21 season alone.
For Sheffield Wednesday, the towering Joao scored 29 total goals in five seasons, becoming a cult hero for his clear natural ability and physical prowess up top.
Sensational Joao return could pay unexpected dividends for Rohl
Sheffield Wednesday seem to have an affinity with former players.
They’re always linked with ex-players who have become free agents but they don’t always go through and sign them.
Joao though, at just 30 years old and likely being relatively match fit following a season in China, could be an incredibly shrewd move for Rohl.
He showcased his Championship ability in the 2022/23 campaign, scoring seven despite persistent injury struggles; his main downfall.
His physical assets could make him ideal for this high-pressing Sheffield Wednesday side under Rohl and his natural finishing ability would be a plus for any team in the second tier.
Fitness remains the key question here. It would be a waste for Joao to come in and play a handful of games, but he’d be worth the risk, and his return could spark some life into the Wednesday fanbase and first-team too, with a lot of current Sheffield Wednesday players having played with Joao in the past.
The Owls return to action vs Coventry City in the FA Cup fourth round tomorrow.