Sheffield Wednesday have endured a long few years since they received a six-point suspended deduction in 2021.
The Owls were relegated to the Championship after finishing bottom of the league table, before failing to reach the League One Play-off Final the following year.
Sheffield Wednesday eventually won promotion back to the second tier, before surprisingly parting ways with Darren Moore in the summer.
They have now appointed their third manager in four months in Danny Rohl, as they sit nine points from safety.
The Owls will have a huge task on their hands if they want to stay up this season, while remaining in the Championship beyond next summer could be another big ask.
Sheffield Wednesday don’t exactly have the funds to splash on expensive players, but they could consider a number of stars who will be out of contract at the end of the season.
Here are nine players Sheffield Wednesday could sign for free next summer…
Paddy McNair
Paddy McNair has bags of experience in the Championship after making over 200 appearances for Middlesbrough in the last five years.
While the midfielder is still a regular under Michael Carrick, Boro could be prepared to let him go next summer if they were to win promotion.
Liam Cooper
Liam Cooper was very impressive during his last stint in the Championship, but has fallen out of favour following Leeds United’s recent relegation.
The 32-year-old could leave the Whites after ten years next summer, and could be a good addition for a team in the lower half of the second tier.
Danny Batth
One familiar face is Danny Batth.
The defender was named Sunderland’s Player of the Year last season and fans were left frustrated when he left to join Norwich City.
However, the 33-year-old is yet to start a game for the Canaries and could be sent packing next year.
Adam Forshaw
Another proven Championship player is Adam Forshaw.
If it wasn’t for his injuries, Forshaw could have been a very solid player for Leeds United. Though he still managed to get game-time in the Premier League when he was fit.
The midfielder has made only one start for Norwich since joining in the summer.
Jamie Shackleton
Jamie Shackleton was expected to be sold by Leeds United, however he has forced his way back into their first team plans this season.
The midfielder could be offloaded if the Whites win promotion back to the top flight though.
Alex Pritchard
Sunderland fans have been desperate for the club to keep hold of Alex Pritchard after they tried to move him on in the summer.
The 30-year-old has been an important member of the squad in recent years, though he doesn’t fit in with the new owner’s plans for a team full of young talent.
It would be surprising to see Sunderland renew his contract this season.
Sam Gallagher
Sam Gallagher has netted 45 goals and provided 21 assists in 214 appearances for Blackburn Rovers.
The striker isn’t a prolific goalscorer, but can prove to be a handful for defenders.
Gallagher has made only two starts in the Championship so far this season.
Aaron Connolly
Aaron Connolly netted only twice during his previous loan spell with Middlesbrough, but he has looked much better with Hull City.
The striker bagged two goals in five games whilst on loan in the second half of last season, before he signed permanently in the summer and has since netted a further five goals.
Connolly only signed a one-year contract with the Tigers, though they could still look to extend his stay next summer.
Jamie Vardy
Probably the most exciting of the lot is Jamie Vardy.
The striker has become a club legend during his eleven year stint with Leicester City, scoring 175 goals in 441 games, as well as netting 24 goals as they won the Premier League title in 2016.
However, Vardy has started only six matches in the Championship this season.
With his contract up next summer, the 36-year-old could be tempted by a move back to his boyhood club.