Sheffield Wednesday have had a productive preseason so far and are just over a month away from their opener against Plymouth Argyle.
Compared to this time last season, there’s an air of positivity flowing around Hillsborough.
The Owls managed to avoid the Championship drop zone last season, despite making a horrific start. Their turnaround in fortunes was in many parts thanks to novice manager, Danny Rohl.
The club started last season winless in 12 but finished the campaign six games unbeaten (four wins and two draws).
Rohl’s performance as manager caught the attention of other clubs. However, Sheffield Wednesday were able to tie the German down to a new deal that will expire in the summer of 2027.
Following the announcement, the club started work on improving the training facilities and squad.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Transfer Window So Far
Barry Bannan and Liam Palmer confirmed they’d be extending their long stays with the club shortly after Rohl’s announcement. The pair joined Marvin Johnson and Callum Paterson, who both had a clause for the club to exercise a further year.
One big re-signing for the Owls was Josh Windass. It looked a one point like the forward was set to leave. The former Rangers striker had a change of heart and opted to stay, after some persuasion from Bannan.
Windass was quickly followed by Dominic Iorfa, who also signed on the dotted line for the Owls.
One player the club haven’t yet been able to tie down is Jamaican defender, Di’Shon Bernard.
Now a free agent, The Star reported that Bernard’s expected to stay and will meet up with the rest of the team for their trip to Germany and Austria.
Alongside all these contract renewals, Rohl’s worked quickly to add new players to his squad.
Max Lowe, Yan Valery, Ben Hamer, Svante Ingelsson, Olaf Kobacki, Jamal Lowe, James Beadle, Charlie McNeil, and Nathaniel Chalobah have all been signed.
The Owls are still working to bring back Ike Ugbo who impressed on loan in the second half of the season.
The Star reported that Wednesday’s initial offer for Ugbo was rejected by French club Troyes.
Wednesday aren’t the only club interested in Ugbo and will need to get closer to Troyes’ valuation if they want him.
Predicted Sheffield Wednesday line up vs Plymouth Argyle
Towards the back end of last season, we saw Rohl play five at the back, with two in midfield and two inverted wingers supporting the striker. He’ll likely continue to use this formation given the success they had.
Rohl has signed several players who can play a number of positions, which suits the flexibility of the five at the back.
Looking at the squad, Wednesday could do with a couple of additions in midfield.
Will Vaulks and George Byers have both departed, leaving just Bannan, Ingelsson, and Windass as potential options.
Rohl has utilised youth wherever possible since joining. This could open the door for midfielder Rio Shipston to get more game time if Rohl believes he’s ready.
Palmer has also played in the middle in the past, and the Wednesday academy man would be more than comfortable doing that role again.
Up top, Wednesday have various options. If Ugbo does join, he’ll likely be the leading striker. For now, it’s a battle between Lowe, McNeil, and Bailey Cadamarteri.
They also have Michael Smith, but he doesn’t suit the pressing style Rohl likes. Although, he’s a useful option off the bench for Rohl.
Predicted line up
Beadle; Valentin, Valery, Iorfa, Bernard, Lowe; Bannan, Ingelsson; Windass, Musaba; Lowe.