The Owls seemed set for a swift return to League One after a rocky start last season under Xisco Munoz, but they managed to secure their Championship status with a stunning turnaround under Danny Rohl, finishing 20th.
Rohl’s impact was cemented with a new long-term contract in May, and the German manager has been quick to revamp his squad. So far, Sheffield Wednesday have welcomed nine new signings: James Beadle, Ben Hamer, Max Lowe, Yan Valery, Svante Ingelsson, Nathaniel Chalobah, Olaf Kobacki, Jamal Lowe, and Charlie McNeill.
Key players such as Liam Palmer, Dominic Iorfa, Di’Shon Bernard, Barry Bannan, and Josh Windass have all renewed their contracts. However, Cameron Dawson and Will Vaulks declined extensions and left the club, along with Ciaran Brennan, Reece James, George Byers, Tyreeq Bakinson, Juan Delgado, and Lee Gregory, who were released.
Fans are generally pleased with the club’s summer signings, but there is disappointment over missing out on Ian Poveda, a key loanee from last season who has now joined Sunderland. Poveda credited Sunderland’s recruitment team and the passionate fan base for his move, emphasizing the support he received from key figures at the club.
“The move came through Stuart Harvey, head of recruitment, and I just feel like the love behind the club, through Kristjaan [Speakman] and Stuart himself, the manager,” Poveda shared on Sunderland’s YouTube channel. “I’ve also known Stuart English from a really young age – when I was about 15 – I feel like I have the right people supporting me and just wanting the best for me.”
Despite his impact at Hillsborough, including a vital role in securing safety, Poveda’s overall stats were modest, with only one assist in 10 appearances, and he struggled with injuries. His inconsistent career, marked by limited success at Leeds and mixed loan spells, might have influenced Wednesday’s decision not to offer a long-term deal.
The Owls are reportedly targeting other wingers, including Brest’s Karamoko Dembele and Rangers’ Scott Wright. An approach has been made for Dembele, and the club is reportedly leading the race for Wright against Preston North End and Derby County.
Dembele, who shone on loan at Blackpool last season with eight goals and 13 assists, is particularly exciting for supporters. His impressive performance earned him Blackpool’s Player of the Season awards, suggesting he has the potential to thrive in the Championship under Rohl’s guidance.
Wednesday faces competition from Portsmouth, Derby, and Bolton Wanderers for Dembele, but their ambition for a potential play-off push could make them an attractive destination. If they secure Dembele, the sting of missing out on Poveda will likely fade quickly.