Jos Luhukay’s transfer strategy may require some patience from Sheffield Wednesday supporters, which is not a bad thing.
Like most Championship clubs, Sheffield Wednesday have yet to enter the summer transfer market despite the window’s earlier-than-usual opening last week.
And it is likely that a lack of (incoming) activity at Hillsborough is something to which Owls fans may have to become acclimatised as others stock up for the next 12 months.
On the plus side, there is little need for any major surgery in Sheffield 6. Jos Luhukay’s side ended the campaign as one of the division’s form teams – despite an injury list which yo-yoed in and out of double figures throughout – and expect to have 99.9 per cent of their absent stars back before the start of the new term.
A couple of quality additions would not go amiss, however – although, money-wise, it is clear there is less to play with than there was in previous windows, and departures could well dictate the amount of room in which Luhukay has to manoeuvre.
By his own admission, however, the Dutchman will only add to his squad if weaker areas cannot be strengthened first by Wednesday’s own academy players – some of whom he plans to introduce when the Owls return for pre-season at the end of June, which again points to later window activity.
And given that some of his targets are likely to come from Premier League youth teams, Luhukay may be required to wait even longer still, as those clubs prioritise getting their own houses in order.
But while free transfers (or the permanent capture of Frederico Venancio) are not unlikely in the meantime, with contract decisions due to be delivered early next month, do not be surprised if much of Wednesday’s business is conducted in the latter part of the regular transfer window – or even, perhaps, the 22-day loan period which follows.
And, as this article has already stated – what’s the rush?
Which players would you like to see Sheffield Wednesday sign this summer?
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