Sheffield Wednesday Face Rejection As Player Opts To Join League Rivals

Oxford United have moved ahead of the competition in their attempts to secure the signing of  Championship Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Will Vaulks, according to journalist Darren Witcoop on X/Twitter.

The in-demand player has reportedly attracted interest from a host of clubs, but now looks set to link up with League One play-off winners Oxford United. This will come as disappointment to Sheffield Wednesday who had hoped to keep the Welshman, offering him a new contract.

According to The Star, the 30-year-old and the Owls failed to reach an agreement that was suitable to all parties.

Vaulks aided his current club to promotion from League One in his first season at the club and then picked up the Player of the Season award in what is likely to be his final campaign at Hillsborough.

A smart signing for Oxford United?

The transition from League One to the Championship cam be a difficult one, not every club enters it as well suited to the fast paced competitive nature as Ipswich did last season. With clubs entering from the Premier League with inflated budgets the priority for many is to just stay in the second tier and build for a potential push in the future.

Oxford at times last season were brilliant, however, they were also underwhelming across patches, to such an extent they nearly allowed Lincoln City to overtake them for a spot in the play-offs after surrending a double digit lead over the Imps.

Vaulks is an experienced performer at this level, he knows what it takes to be consistent whilst battling against relegation and could be a smart addition to a squad learning to adapt to a new league. The fact that Sheffield Wednesday were eager to keep hold of the player would perhaps indicate what will be arriving at the Kassam.