Sheffield Wednesday has had an active start to the transfer window after securing their place in the Championship.
The Owls seemed destined for a quick return to League One following a poor start last season under Xisco Munoz. However, a significant turnaround under Danny Rohl saw them finish 20th in the league. In May, Rohl signed a new long-term contract, and he has been quick to begin rebuilding the squad.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Summer Transfer Activity
So far, the Owls have signed nine new players: James Beadle, Ben Hamer, Max Lowe, Yan Valery, Svante Ingelsson, Nathaniel Chalobah, Olaf Kobacki, Jamal Lowe, and Charlie McNeill. Additionally, key players such as Liam Palmer, Dominic Iorfa, Di’Shon Bernard, Barry Bannan, and Josh Windass have renewed their contracts. Meanwhile, Cameron Dawson and Will Vaulks have left after declining contract extensions, and Ciaran Brennan, Reece James, George Byers, Tyreeq Bakinson, Juan Delgado, and Lee Gregory have been released.
Although Wednesday fans are pleased with the club’s transfer activity, they might be disappointed that Ian Poveda, one of last season’s impactful loanees, has not returned. Despite only providing one assist in 10 appearances and missing much of the latter part of the season due to injury, Poveda’s loan from Leeds United in January revitalized the team with much-needed pace and creativity. Now a free agent after being released by Leeds, his return to Wednesday remains uncertain.
Ian Poveda’s Return Unlikely Amid Karamoko Dembele News
Journalist Darren Witcoop reports that Wednesday is among several clubs that have made an offer for Brest winger Karamoko Dembele. Dembele impressed last season on loan at Blackpool in League One, scoring nine goals and providing 14 assists in 47 appearances. His form has attracted interest from several Championship clubs, including Derby County and Portsmouth, with Bolton Wanderers also expressing interest. However, Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has denied his club’s interest in Dembele, potentially clearing the way for Wednesday.
Football Insider recently claimed that Wednesday has offered a contract to Rangers winger Scott Wright. With wingers Anthony Musaba, Djeidi Gassama, Mallik Wilks, Marvin Johnson, and Olaf Kobacki already in the squad, and Jamal Lowe and Josh Windass also able to play wide, it appears unlikely that more than two new wingers would be needed. This suggests that Wednesday might be cooling their interest in Poveda. Should they sign Dembele or Wright, it would likely end their pursuit of Poveda, providing a boost to Cardiff City, Luton Town, and West Bromwich Albion, who are also interested in him.
While Wednesday fans had hoped for Poveda’s return, Dembele would be an exciting alternative, and the club remains optimistic about securing his signature.