Sheffield Wednesday have recently been linked with a move for free agent striker Lyle Taylor.
The 33-year-old was spotted at Hillsborough on Tuesday night, watching Sheffield Wednesday from the front row as they drew 1-1 with Middlesbrough.
The striker remains a free agent after being released by Nottingham Forest at the end of last season, with Xisco Munoz having recently confirmed that the Montserrat international has been training with the Owls’ first-team.
Munoz is lacking some killer instinct up front with summer signing Ashley Fletcher yet to kick on, and the likes of Michael Smith and Josh Windass failing to perform so far.
Here, two of our writers debate whether or not Sheffield Wednesday should go through with a deal for Taylor…
Should Sheffield Wednesday sign Lyle Taylor: Yes
Lee Clarke:
“Although the man who recently left Nottingham Forest hasn’t played much football and his best days are arguably behind him, there is still enough to suggest that he could do a job for the current Wednesday.
“In the summer, the one thing that Wednesday overlooked was the importance of scoring goals. Ashley Fletcher was added to the ranks but he’s never really been a serial goalscorer, with Lee Gregory and Michael Smith also getting on a little bit. Taylor would provide something a little bit different to the Wednesday ranks and he’s not exactly short of confidence.
“Having played for Forest and Charlton previously, he wouldn’t be overawed by an expectant Hillsborough faithful and he’s never been a player who is shy to put in a shift. Of course, this deal wouldn’t come without an element of risk.
“At 33-years-old, he’s not a spring chicken and it’s concerning that he didn’t play any football at all during the 2022/23 campaign. Still, it says a lot about Taylor’s character that he’s still keen to earn another contract and given their current plight, the experienced player could be exactly what Munoz needs to spearhead his attack.”
Should Sheffield Wednesday sign Lyle Taylor: No
Luke Phelps:
“Wednesday need a new attacking addition, that much I agree with. But I worry that Taylor wouldn’t bring anything new to the Wednesday front line.
“His experience and pedigree in the Championship could certainly be useful, but I fail to see the difference between him and the likes of Smith, Fletcher, and those already at Munoz’s disposal.
“Bringing him in would just mean more tinkering form Munoz and whilst Wednesday need to find a way, they also need a bit of consistency in the team selection, in my opinion.
“Taylor, whilst he’s a good player and a decent option on the free agent market, isn’t what the Owls need in a striker signing right now. I want to see them go for Andre Gray, though I know that would be very ambitious.”