Former Reading playmaker Ovie Ejaria has attracted the interest of Championship side Sheffield Wednesday ahead of the summer transfer window, as reported by the Star journalist Alex Miller.
The 26-year-old has been without a club since he departed Reading in January and has now been linked with a possible move to Sheffield Wednesday as Danny Rohl’s side begin their preparations ahead of the new season.
How did Ejaria fair last season at Reading?
Following the Royals’ relegation to the third tier, Ejaria failed to register any first-team minutes and was subsequently released by the club in January via mutual consent.
Ejaria’s last first-team appearance for Reading arrived in November 2022 when he featured for 80 minutes during the clubs 2-0 defeat against Watford away from home. During his final Championship season to date, Ejaria provided one assist in eight league games.
What could Ejaria bring to Sheffield Wednesday?
Admittedly, landing a player that hasn’t featured in first-team competition in almost two years is a risk in itself but a move into the English second tier could prove to be an ideal transfer and one that will be tricky to turn down.
He has both pace and flair and originally cost the Royals £3 million when he joined from Liverpool in August 2020. Ejaria has made over 130 Championship appearances and would therefore add further second-tier experience to the squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
What risks are involved with this transfer?
The playmaker was a regular fixture for the Royals up until November 2022 but hasn’t featured since then. Factors such as injuries as well as the club’s constant change in managers have halted Ejaria’s development.
With Sheffield Wednesday aiming to build a side that can lift them away from a potential relegation battle next season, signing a player who hasn’t played for almost two years is potentially a huge risk for Danny Rohl’s side.