Sheffield Wednesday are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Sheffield United’s out-of-contract full-back Max Lowe, according to a report from the Sheffield Star.
After a disappointing Premier League campaign with Sheffield United, making only ten appearances in the league, the Derbyshire-born full-back has been made available to sign with his contract at the Blades ending on the 30th of June, and fierce rivals Sheffield Wednesday are advancing on Lowe, with a medical potentially taking place towards the end of the week.
Who is Max Lowe?
Lowe started his career at Derby County, coming through the academy and debuting in 2016, playing 12 times in all competitions. During his time at the Rams, Lowe was sent on loan twice, where he played for League One Shrewsbury Town for the second half of the season, making 16 appearances but missing out on playing in the play-offs.
Lowe’s second loan was in Scotland, where he joined Aberdeen in August 2018, experiencing more game time than in previous seasons, playing 42 times in all competitions and contributing towards five goals.
The 27-year-old full-back joined Sheffield United from Derby County in September 2020 on a four-year deal. During his time at Bramall Lane, he made 54 appearances and had ten goal contributions. After playing only eight times for the Blades in his debut campaign that ended in relegation, Lowe was sent to Nottingham Forest the following season, where he helped the Garibaldi towards promotion, playing 20 times in the league, but missed the second half of the season due to injury, with his final appearance coming in the play-off Final coming on as a late substitute.
Lowe helped the Blades in the following season, where he once again won promotion back to the Premier League, finishing second and having what may be seen as his best season to date, with 26 Championship games and six-goal contributions. The ex-Derby man did not contribute much to United’s fight against relegation, where he played only a handful of games and was not handed a new contract.
What can Sheffield Wednesday expect from Lowe?
Lowe has struggled to find consistent game time in recent seasons as a result of injuries and not being the preferred choice. However, he does have experience in both Premier League and Championship football. He has proven in the past that he can be an asset as a wing-back. He has recently played for both Forest and Sheffield United, where he showed his defensive capabilities, making the most tackles per 90 (4.11) in the Championship for Forest. He can also contribute offensively, chipping in with several goal contributions.
Under the management of Danny Rohl, supporters could again see Max Lowe shine in the Championship.
A good move by Wednesday?
After a great end of season for Wednesday, going unbeaten in their last six winning four and drawing two, the Owls avoided relegation climbing out the bottom three and finishing 20th. Wednesday will need options to strengthen their squad and push up the table, with full-back Reece James leaving and Kristian Pedersen returning to Swansea from his loan.
Although he has had injury struggles, Lowe will bring more experience alongside the likes of Barry Bannan and Liam Palmer. Lowe will add in value defensively and in the final third and as a free transfer he will only be a low-risk signing with more to gain than lose with the only concern being injuries. A short contract with the option to extend may be the best to minimalize the risk of injuries but ensure he will stay if he performs.
This may be a smart move by Danny Rohl and Sheffield Wednesday, and their fierce rivals Sheffield United could regret letting Lowe leave.