Sheffield Wednesday are evaluating their squad for potential upgrades ahead of the summer transfer window closing on Tuesday, September 1. The Championship club, which finished 24th last season with a record of one win from 42 games, is working within financial restrictions to strengthen the team.
Vital Football reports that head of recruitment Henrik Pedersen is leading the review. "The outcome is that we are looking at the squad we have now and see how many players who can play one or two positions, and where do we want to upgrade the team," Pedersen said. The club has already added loan strikers Ali Al-Hamadi and Mason Burstow to a forward line that includes Jamal Lowe.
What does the attack need?
The current group of strikers at Sheffield Wednesday are seen as similar in profile, lacking a distinct tactical alternative. This has prompted internal discussions about the value of adding a traditional target man to offer a different approach in the final third. Last season's struggles are stark, with the team scoring only 25 goals while conceding 82, resulting in a -57 goal difference.
Previous rumours linked the Owls with a move for Colby Bishop, but such a deal would be expensive. The free agent market, which remains open beyond the transfer deadline, presents another avenue. Veteran forward Jamie Vardy has been mentioned as a potential option in that category.
Is midfield depth a concern?
The starting central midfield partnership of Barry Bannan and Billy Mitchell has been impressive. However, depth behind them is a recognised issue. Tyler Onyango is ruled out for the entire season, and while young Jarvis Thornton is an option, more experience may be needed.
Callum Slattery can operate as an eight, and Yan Valery provides cover at the six. Slattery was deployed in a deeper role during a recent match against Bradford City, a game in which the team lost its creative spark. His ideal position is considered to be further forward as a central attacking midfielder. Adding a Premier League loanee to this area of the pitch could provide a significant boost. You can view the full midfield options on the club's squad page.
How does last season's form affect planning?
The club's disastrous 2025 campaign, where they finished 90 points behind champions Coventry, underpins all current planning. That poor league standing of 24th, with just -4 points, forces a pragmatic approach in the market. Financial limitations are real, meaning any major investment must be carefully considered.
Pedersen confirmed the holistic view. "We are looking for the whole situation for the whole squad, and of course we’re also looking in the central part of the pitch if we need something extra," he told Vital Football. The focus is on strategic additions that can address specific weaknesses without breaking the bank.
What happens next before the deadline?
The final days of the window will see Sheffield Wednesday active on multiple fronts. The priority is clear: find cost-effective solutions to add variety up front and reinforce the midfield engine room. The club's standings history shows the scale of the rebuild required after last term's DDLLL form to end the season. Supporters can track any confirmed moves and the upcoming schedule on our fixtures list. The work continues right up to the 11pm deadline on Tuesday as the club seeks the right pieces for a more competitive season.
