Sheffield Wednesday's week has been defined by a Carabao Cup exit, fresh transfer links, and a focus on building league momentum. The Owls were knocked out by Wolverhampton Wanderers and are reportedly among the clubs waiting on a decision from veteran striker Jamie Vardy.
How did Wednesday fare in the Carabao Cup?
Sheffield Wednesday's Carabao Cup run ended in the second round with a 2-0 home defeat to Premier League side Wolves on 26 August. According to a match report from ESPN, an early own goal from Sil Swinkels and a strike from Saheed Olagunju just before half-time decided the tie. The data showed Wednesday created chances, registering 0.37 expected goals to Wolves' 1.05, but they failed to convert any of their three shots on target.
The loss means Wednesday's focus now shifts entirely to the league campaign. They will aim to use their upcoming fixtures to improve upon a difficult previous season, where they finished 24th in the Championship with just one win and a goal difference of minus 57.
What is the latest on Jamie Vardy?
Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett reported this week that Sheffield Wednesday have made an offer to free agent Jamie Vardy. The 39-year-old former England international, who was released by Wednesday's academy as a teenager, is reportedly waiting until after the transfer window closes before deciding his future. Owner David Storch had previously confirmed the club's interest, telling talkSPORT in July that Vardy is "somebody we would like to have in our club."
Dorsett stated that offers from West Ham United, MLS clubs, and Brazilian side Sao Paulo also remain possibilities for Vardy. TalkSPORT's Alex Crook added that ambitious Championship side Wrexham are also interested. The potential move comes as Wednesday look to bolster their attacking options for the new season.
Can Wednesday build league momentum?
Henrik Pedersen's side responded to their cup exit with a spectacular 7-2 League One victory over Bromley at Hillsborough last Saturday. Goals from Jamal Lowe, Louie Barry, Callum Slattery, Mason Burstow, and Gabriel Otegbayo secured a dominant win. However, the manager expressed frustration at conceding twice, highlighting a need for defensive improvement as they prepare to face Wycombe Wanderers.
The victory was a positive step after a 2025/26 campaign that saw the club finish 90 points behind champions Coventry City. Building consistency is the immediate target. The club's current squad will be tested in the coming weeks as they seek to climb the standings from their lowly position of last term.
What are the injury concerns for Wycombe?
Ahead of the trip to Adams Park, manager Henrik Pedersen has fresh injury worries. As reported by The Star, both centre-back Ricardo Santos and captain Barry Bannan were forced off with ankle injuries during the win over Bromley. Santos was making his first league start for the club, while Bannan's durability has been a hallmark of his long Owls career.
Pedersen did not rule either player out for the Wycombe match but indicated caution would be taken, especially with Santos given a lack of depth in defence. This could mean a recall to the starting lineup for Gabriel Otegbayo, who scored after coming on at half-time. New signing Jaden Heskey could be included in the matchday squad for the first time.
How did the Callum O'Hare transfer affect Wednesday?
While not directly involving Sheffield Wednesday, a significant Championship transfer saw Wrexham sign attacking midfielder Callum O'Hare from Sheffield United for a fee believed to be around £6.5 million. The move, confirmed by BBC Sport, strengthens a direct league rival. Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson described O'Hare as "a great addition" with extensive Championship experience.
This high-profile deal underscores the competitive nature of the division Wednesday aspire to return to. The Owls' own business, including any potential move for Jamie Vardy, will be closely watched as they plot a course back from last season's struggles. Their next challenge is Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday night.
