Sheffield Wednesday have confirmed their eighth signing of the summer this morning.
It has been six days since the Owls announced that James Beadle had returned for a second loan spell, but fans weren’t made to wait very long for more exciting news.
Sheffield Wednesday have confirmed the permanent arrival of Charlie McNeill following his release from Manchester United last month.
The striker netted 49 goals for their youth teams before being sent out on loan to Newport County and Stevenage, where he scored only three times.
McNeill confirmed his exit from Old Trafford last month and was very quickly linked with a move to Hillsborough.
- READ MORE: Danny Rohl still wants ‘strong’ striker at Sheffield Wednesday even after Charlie McNeill signing
Charlie McNeill and Danny Rohl have already spent time together
It now looks like the chance for him to join Wednesday arose way before his United departure, with journalist Alex Miller claiming he had already ‘spent time’ with Danny Rohl last season.
Miller wrote on X: “#MCFC striker joined camp at SGP today after medical in Leeds. Was rival interest – spent time with DR/Owls last ssn as all parties took closer look.”
McNeill previously spent time training at Middlewood Road under Darren Moore in 2021, before returning under the German coach in recent months.
A report by The Star claims that the 20-year-old was impressed by the methods of the coaching team before deciding to join the Owls.
McNeill undertook the first part of his medical in Leeds on Tuesday morning before travelling down to St George’s Park to complete the move.
The report clarifies that McNeill is not seen as an alternative to Ike Ugbo, who the club are still eager to re-sign.
The Sheffield Wednesday striker needs time to settle in
McNeill is still very young and has bags of potential, despite being unable to make his breakthrough at senior level so far.
The forward only managed three appearances for Stevenage despite scoring on his debut, while he did struggle to find the back of the net at Newport.
Rohl clearly saw a lot in McNeill during his visit though and is now eager to help him find his feet in the Championship.
It is a big jump for the youngster, but he will likely be eased into it if they can bring in another first choice No.9.