Sheffield Wednesday are continuing their plans for League One next season, identifying a new goalkeeper target in Dundee‘s Jon McCracken.
The Owls are already confirmed to be participating in the third tier next season after their relegation was confirmed last month, and already face an uphill battle to compete with another points deduction viewed as inevitable when their ownership situation is resolved.
Pedersen Eyes Scottish Premiership Talent
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Wednesday are in a three-way battle to sign Dundee FC goalkeeper Jon McCracken on a free transfer this summer as his contract at Dens Park looks set to expire.
The former Norwich City and Stevenage man has been in Scotland permanently since June 2024, when he moved to Deeside on a free transfer after a successful loan spell with Dundee in the second half of the 2023/24 season.
This season has seen the 25-year-old be ever-present in the Dark Blues’ Scottish Premiership squad, playing in all 30 games, conceding 48 times and keeping five clean sheets in a campaign which has seen little of note for Steven Pressley’s side.
However, Wednesday will face a battle to convince McCracken to move to Hillsborough, with both Blackburn Rovers and Queens Park Rangers also interested in making a move upon the expiry of his contract.
Owls Plan For Life Without Charles
As much as it is positive news for Sheffield Wednesday to be looking at transfers after the uncertainty of being able to complete a single move in the past, a move for Jon McCracken likely hints at an exit for Pierce Charles in the summer.
In a torrid year for the Owls, the Northern Irish shot stopper has been a real bright spot with his efforts, and has rightfully earned him a place in his national team’s squad for the March international break.
Interest in the 20-year-old has come in the past, with the Sheffield Star reporting in the early part of January that Strasbourg had submitted bids to sign the former Manchester City academy goalie.
McCracken Offers Solidity
As much as a blow losing Pierce Charles will be to Sheffield Wednesday, Jon McCracken will be a good option to bring in to see the Owls through their first season back in League One.
While he has not been outstanding this season, McCracken will be a sure pair of hands between the sticks and fitting in with the club’s current financial restrictions allows them to make a free deal.
The 25-year-old has not experienced League One with spells in the league below with Stevenage and Accrington Stanley. Since his last stint in England he has gained a lot of valuable experience north of the border and should be more than ready to handle the third tier.