The Sheffield Wednesday manager has outlined his plans for the summer transfer window.
Jos Luhukay admitted last week that Sheffield Wednesday will target players from Championship and Premier League (under-23) sides this summer, if squad gaps cannot be filled by their own academy talents.
But with their budget restricted and several players now the wrong side of 30, the Owls will have to be more strategic than they have been in recent seasons when it comes to making signings.
Here are five names they would be wise to take a look at…
Adam Webster (Ipswich Town)
A new centre-back could be high on Wednesday’s agenda should Frederico Venancio and Daniel Pudil fail to earn longer contracts and if, as expected, Glenn Loovens is released. Having only just turned 23, Webster certainly ticks the age box, although it remains to be seen whether he would fit within the Owls’ budget. Encouragingly, though, the former Portsmouth player is out of contract at the end of next season, which should lower Ipswich’s asking price. A right footed player who enjoys carrying the ball out of defence, Webster would be an ideal Venancio replacement.
See also: Brentford’s Yoann Barbet
Jake Bidwell (Queens Park Rangers)
Left-back is a position in which Wednesday will almost certainly strengthen this summer, with Morgan Fox their only recognised option there. And the Owls should be familiar with Bidwell, who scored against them for Queens Park Rangers just a fortnight ago. The 25-year-old is an established Championship performer and, like Webster, he could be available in a cut price deal with his contract up next summer.
See also: Bidwell’s QPR teammate, Jack Robinson
Moses Odubajo (Hull City)
While Jack Hunt has impressed when fit this season, Wednesday’s options beyond the right-back are not as convincing. Ash Baker may yet stake a claim if handed an opportunity ahead of the new campaign, although with his contract due to expire and experience of playing as an out-and-out winger – the type that Wednesday have certainly lacked this season – the Owls could do worse than to look at Odubajo. The 24-year-old was a key member of the Hull side that denied their Yorkshire rivals a place in the Premier League two years ago, but has not played competitively since due to injury – which would be the only drawback.
See also: Barnsley’s Andy Yiadom
Josh Vela (Bolton Wanderers)
January’s midfield capture, Joey Pelupessy, has already proved himself an upgrade on Jacob Butterfield and David Jones, but adding another player with bite is something that Wednesday may well consider this summer, with one or both of those likely to leave and to reduce the Owls’ reliance on injured favourite Sam Hutchinson. Vela is certainly that, although he can play a bit too and is another player who could be acquired cheaply as he enters the final year of his deal – not least if Bolton are relegated this weekend.
See also: Sunderland’s George Honeyman, who has been strongly linked with a summer move to Sheffield 6.
Neeskens Kebano (Fulham)
Despite scoring of both of Fulham’s goals in the 2016-17 season finale at Hillsborough, Kebano has found himself restricted to more of a back seat role this campaign – with 16 of his 26 league appearances coming from the bench. And with his contract also up next summer and Fulham hoping to be a Premier League team come August, the 26-year-old could be up for grabs in the coming months. Able to play right or left wing, as well as in the number 10 position, Kebano – who is indeed named after the legendary Dutchman Johan Neeskens – could be the pacy option Wednesday do not currently possess.
See also: Sunderland’s Lynden Gooch, as advocated by us at the start of this month.
Who would you like to see arrive at Sheffield Wednesday this summer?
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