Sheffield Wednesday have been linked with several players ahead of the opening of the summer transfer window.
Sheffield Wednesday signed off their 2017/18 campaign with a resounding 5-1 win over Norwich City at Hillsborough – a result which bodes well going in to the summer.
Since Jos Luhukay replaced Carlos Carvalhal as manager, Sheffield Wednesday have gradually improved and in their last ten games have picked up 20 points – with six wins and two draws.
The return of Fernando Forestieri has made a big difference while other players such as Atdhe Nuhiu have come into form, meaning there are plenty of goals in the side while backed up by a solid defensive structure.
With a few additions to the team, there is no reason why Sheffield Wednesday can’t challenge for promotion next season and here we look at potential first-team XI for the 2018/19 campaign – with three new permanent signings.
Frederico Venancio has spent the campaign on loan at Wednesday and he has impressed supporters, so much so that you would be pressed to find more than a handful who wouldn’t want to sign him permanently.
It’s a deal which makes plenty of sense, not least as Glenn Loovens is set to walk away when his contract expires this summer (though Venancio’s eventual fee may depend on whether his parent club stays up). Vitoria Setubal are currently in the relegation zone in Portugal’s top-flight with just one game remaining, and should they go down there is next to no chance of Venancio remaining there after an impressive spell in the Championship.
According to the Chronicle, Sheffield Wednesday are also looking to take advantage of another club’s drop down the leagues – as they are reportedly looking to sign Sunderland’s young talent George Honeyman.
The Owls could do with some extra creativity in midfield, and the attack-minded youngster has managed to find the net seven times for the Black Cats this term, despite their disastrous campaign. Honeyman seems an ideal fit for Wednesday, and at 23 years of age he has plenty of potential to improve further.
If there is one area Sheffield Wednesday are well stacked for players it is in the striker’s department, with Fernando Forestieri, Gary Hooper, Lucas Joao, Jordan Rhodes, Atdhe Nuhiu and Sam Winnall for options.
It’s likely, however, Winnall will make his loan spell at Derby County permanent, while the Owls should seriously consider moving Rhodes. And Gary Hooper hasn’t featured since last December.
Wednesday have been linked with Peterborough’s Jack Mariott (the Daily Mail), and Posh’s failure to earn promotion from League One this season will surely see the player leave this summer.
Marriott has scored 27 goals in 44 games, making him the football league’s top scorer. At 23, he is another with bags of potential and he could prove to be a bargain buy for Sheffield Wednesday.
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