Sheffield Wednesday have stepped up their summer recruitment with talks ongoing to bring Aston Villa midfielder Tommi O'Reilly to Hillsborough on loan for the 2026/27 campaign.
What’s the move about?
The Owls are eyeing a third summer deal with Aston Villa under Unai Emery after already signing Louie Barry and Sil Swinkels permanently from the Premier League side. Wednesday’s latest target is the 22-year-old, who has emerged as a priority after a productive spell at Crewe Alexandra in League Two last season.
O'Reilly netted seven times and laid on 13 assists in 50 appearances for the Railwaymen, ranking among the division’s most creative players. His versatility-operating in attacking midfield or on the right-has convinced Wednesday’s hierarchy he can step up to League One next term.
Why O’Reilly fits Wednesday’s rebuild
Henrik Pedersen’s side has already added eight new faces this summer, including club legend Barry Bannan and former Millwall duo Billy Mitchell and Joe Lumley. The Owls, sitting 24th in the Championship with zero points from 46 games and a goal difference of minus 60, needed fresh legs across the squad.
Wednesday’s raid on Villa Park follows a pattern of smart business under new owners Arise Capital Partners, who took charge in May. The club’s recent form reads LWLLL, with the last outing a 0-3 home loss to West Brom on 2026-07-11. Their next fixture is a home clash with Bolton on 2026-08-08.
What happens next?
Wednesday must wrap up O'Reilly’s loan before their League One opener away at Leyton Orient on 2026-08-15. The midfielder isn’t the only target-Wednesday are chasing more Villa talent, with the Villans’ academy proving a fertile ground for transfers.
O’Reilly’s stock has risen fast, drawing interest from Huddersfield Town, Portsmouth and Oxford United. But Wednesday’s swift progress under Storch could see them land the playmaker first.
Sheffield Wednesday fans can share their views on the potential signing in the comments below.
