It could be an interesting few days at Sheffield Wednesday.
Sheffield Wednesday are expected to make at least one new signing ahead of Thursday’s 11pm deadline, but may have to move players on in order to do so.
Could any of the following find themselves sacrificed?
HITC takes a look:
Jake Kean
Wednesday’s fourth-choice ‘keeper was close to leaving earlier this summer, according to The Sheffield Star. Should Keiren Westwood’s injury turn out to be nothing serious, Kean should finally get his move.
Verdict: Goes
Liam Palmer
Linked with a move to Bolton Wanderers this window, the right-back could be allowed to leave if the Owls sign a replacement, which seems unlikely at this stage.
Verdict: Stays
Morgan Fox
The Welshman has enjoyed a resurgence of late, but could soon find himself third choice – behind Daniel Pudil and Adam Reach – if Wednesday get their elusive fourth centre-back and the former returns to his natural position. Having said that, his departure is also somewhat unlikely.
Verdict: Stays
Lewis McGugan
Transfer listed for more than a year, the Owls wouldn’t stand in McGugan’s way should an offer come in for him. The problem is he’s on a generous contract at Hillsborough, which coupled with his lack of action of late appears to have deterred potential suitors.
Verdict: Stays (begrudgingly)
Almen Abdi
If Wednesday get the central midfielder they’re said to be after and both Kieran Lee and Sam Hutchinson return as planned, then it’s hard to see where Abdi fits ino Carvalhal’s set up. He’s another on big wages, though, and has not been the most reliable of players since moving to Sheffield 6.
Verdict: Stays
Marco Matias
His Owls days looked numbered after his sending off against Fulham in May, but the club’s inability to find(/afford) to upgrade him could keep him at Hillsborough for now.
Verdict: Stays
Fernando Forestieri
Wednesday’s most saleable asset is allegedly interesting Fulham ahead of the deadline and is likely to fancy a reunion with his old boss Slavisa Jokanovic in the capital. They look to be selling Sone Aluko to Reading, which could prompt them to move for the divisive former Italy Under-21 international.
Verdict: In the balance
Atdhe Nuhiu
The Owls have an overabundance of strikers, and are likely to move on at least one this week. Having said that, the Kosovan’s diversity could keep him at Hillsborough a little longer.
Verdict: Stays
Lucas Joao
Carvalhal has told The Sheffield Star he expects the Portugal international to leave on loan, and he may not be alone in his position.
Verdict: Goes on loan
Sam Winnall
Though a favourite with many Wednesday supporters, the former Barnsley striker is currently fourth-choice under Carvalhal (or fifth, depending on where you see Forestieri’s best position), having failed to seize his chance in recent weeks. The Owls got him on the cheap due to his contract situation in January, and stand to make a tidy profit should another club wish to buy him.
Verdict: Stays
Jordan Rhodes
Speculation about the future of Wednesday’s club record signing refuse to go away, and you sense that he or Forestieri are the most likely regulars to depart before Thursday. Rhodes’ exit would perhaps be harder to stomach, but the Owls may find decent offers hard to refuse as they look to fund their own deals.
Verdict: In the balance
George Hirst
Wednesday are finally ready to send the youngster on loan, but not until he commits to a new contract. If he doesn’t he’s likely to stay put until January, at which point he could be approached by other clubs regarding a pre-contract deal.
Verdict: Goes on loan (hopefully)
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