Sheffield Wednesday’s squad has only got stronger as they aim to reach the Premier League.
Having narrowly missed out on promotion last year in the play-off final, Sheffield Wednesday needed to ensure their squad became stronger to help them go one step further.
With the window slamming shut, Carlos Carvalhal has done that, adding to his already strong squad and seeing none of his key players exit the club.
The Owls’ most impressive signing is arguably Scotland forward Steven Fletcher, who arrived on a free having been released by Sunderland. The 29-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Marseille, and his goalscoring ability could give Wednesday a real edge in their quest for survival.
They have also added proven Championship players in Almen Abdi and David Jones. Abdi arrived from Watford, having been a star in the Football League as he helped the Hornets gain promotion to the Premier League.
Jones achieved promotion much more recently, having been a part of Burnley’s squad that came second in the league last season. Jones has decided to take a step down the divisions, and the 31-year-old could prove to be an astute signing by Carvalhal, despite already picking up a red card in his short career at Hillsborough.
They also made the loan signing of last season’s left-back Daniel Pudil permanent, and on deadline day, Wednesday added Middlesbrough’s Adam Reach to their squad to hopefully provide even more creativity to their midfield.
One player that was linked with a move away was Fernando Forestieri, but Wednesday have managed to hold onto their Italian star, despite interest from divisional rivals. Keeping the attacking flair of Forestieri is as good as signing a new player, and his quality has already shown this season, scoring the decisive goal in the Owls’ opening weekend victory over Aston Villa.
Despite a shaky start to the season, picking up five points from the opening five games, Sheffield Wednesday fans should still be confident that they can have a say in the race for promotion this year.
They have not spent the same sort of money as Aston Villa or Newcastle, but have kept a hold of their key players and have added quality in areas they were short last season.
Grade: B+
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