Sheffield Wednesday can now sign players again after resolving their embargo issue, and with the January transfer window just around the corner, it’s time to think about who could join the Owls in the New Year.
It has been a season of ups and downs for Sheffield Wednesday so far, with the club currently sitting in 15th place in the Championship table after 15 games.
Danny Rohl made a number of effective signings in the summer, but his squad still needs some work to ensure they don’t get sucked into a relegation battle this year.
After an unpaid bill to HMRC left the club in administration, there was a fear that the January transfer window would end up being a non-starter for the Owls, but Sheffield Wednesday’s embargo is expected to be lifted imminently after the payment was made.
We already know Danny Rohl will not be given any money to spend in January, so it will have to be a case of finding talent the Owls can borrow on loan or dipping into the free transfer market. But, there are options out there.
Mason Holgate could be relocated by Everton
Sheffield Wednesday were heavily linked with Mason Holgate in the summer, and talks took place between the Owls and Everton according to Alan Myers of Sky Sports. However, the defender ended up joining West Bromwich Albion on loan for the season.
So, how could Wednesday possibly get their man this time around? Well, Holgate has only just started to pick up minutes for the Baggies, playing the last four games after being left on the bench for five games and not even making the matchday squad for another three.
The 28-year-old will be desperate to play every minute he can, and if he or Everton do not feel he is getting the game time he deserves, there is a chance the arrangement could be terminated, leaving Holgate to find a new temporary club for the second half of the season.
There are a lot of variables at play with this one, but Wednesday certainly need to sign another centre-half, and Holgate would be ideal if they can find a way to make it happen.
Jamie Donley can create for Sheffield Wednesday
This is another very speculative one, but stay with us here. One of Sheffield Wednesday’s biggest issues this season has been the lack of creativity and clinical finishing in front of goal, so it’s clear they need a playmaker who can penetrate in the final third and make things happen.
Over the summer, The Star claimed the club was seriously considering a move for Tottenham Hotspur youngster Alfie Devine, who eventually headed off to Belgium for a loan move to KVC Westerlo. But, Spurs actually have an even more dangerous and exciting player on their books: Jamie Donley.
The youngster is currently on loan at Leyton Orient, but the League One side have taken on too many loan players and are struggling to guarantee Donley game time without breaching Football League rules. Tottenham are not likely to be pleased that one of their top youth players is being messed around, and there’s a very real possibility they will recall him in the New Year.
The Premier League club did the same with Devine last season, ending his spell with Port Vale and stepping him up a division with a loan spell to Plymouth Argyle. If Spurs want to do the same with Donley, Wednesday have to swoop.
Brandon Williams is looking for a new club
While not absolutely essential, the Owls could do with adding another left-back to their squad, especially since Max Lowe appears to be better-suited to a more central role now, which leaves Marvin Johnson as the only player filling the spot out wide.
Wednesday cannot spend any money on transfers, but Brandon Williams is available on a free transfer after being released by Manchester United in the summer. The 24-year-old would likely demand a substantial wage, but it’s not like he’s flooded with offers right now, clearly.
| Statistic | Brandon Williams 2023/24 |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 17 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Tackles won per 90 | 2.17 |
| Interceptions per 90 | 1.89 |
| Pass completion % | 80.6 |
| Progressive passes per 90 | 4.27 |
Williams played at this level, albeit sporadically, for Ipswich Town last season as they secured promotion, and if he’s eager to get his career back on track, he could really make an impression at Hillsborough.