Sheffield Wednesday are looking to trim their squad during the summer transfer window.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Jos Luhukay has told the Star he hopes to trim his squad to ’24 or 25 players’ – despite the recent departures of Jack Hunt and Jordan Rhodes.
And with 29 players who made senior league appearances for Wednesday last season left on the Dutchman’s roster, the Owls still have some offloading to do.
But who could be next out of Hillsborough? Here are five of the most likely departures in the eyes of HITC…
Almen Abdi
Top of most Sheffield Wednesday fans’ transfer lists, Abdi cost the Owls £3 million and Lord knows how much in wages since his 2015 move to Hillsborough, but has rewarded the club with a goal and no assists in 23 games. Finding a buyer could therefore be tough, especially given the midfielder’s fitness issues – even if his contract status (in its final year) should, in theory, reduce the asking price.
David Jones
Another who many Wednesdayites would gladly see the back of, Jones has at least been of some use to the Owls, scoring or assisting four goals in 64 games. That said, he is likely to find himself low down Luhukay’s list of options this season, especially if Kieran Lee makes a full recovery. The former Burnley midfielder is two years older than Abdi, however, albeit with a better record of availability, and may not be easy to shift despite he too being out of contract next summer.
Sam Winnall
Popular the bulk of Wednesday’s support base until he burned some of his bridges with comments made while on loan to Derby County last season, Winnall could be another striker deemed surplus to requirements, after Rhodes. Given his pre-injury form, there should be no shortage of interest – including some from Sheffield United, as reported by the Star this week – although whether that is pursued remains to be seen as the 26-year-old continues his rehabilitation. Unlike those before him, Winnall is under contract until 2020 at Hillsborough.
Morgan Fox
Likely to find himself second choice – at best – in the left-wing-back position this campaign, Fox is one who could be moved on if a suitable offer comes in, as was seemingly the case with Hunt, even if the Owls don’t actively pursue his sale. Like Winnall, the 24-year-old’s deal expires at the of next season.
Keiren Westwood
Expendable only because Sheffield Wednesday have two players – Joe Wildsmith and Cameron Dawson – ready to replace him, Westwood is another who could be allowed to leave for the right price. The 33-year-old is perhaps the most likely of these to generate offers, although he has shown little sign of wanting to defect – and was picked to model the Owls’ new away goalkeeper kit last week.
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