Sheffield Wednesday is racing against the clock to finalize their summer transfer deals with less than 48 hours remaining. Despite securing a loan move for Shea Charles, the club is determined to make further signings, particularly in the striker position. With the recent disappointment of missing out on Mark O’Mahony, the Owls are in urgent need of a No.9, a fact reinforced by Charlie McNeill’s impactful performance in the Carabao Cup.

As Bailey Cadamarteri departs on loan and Michael Smith’s future hangs in uncertainty, the striking options for Wednesday are narrowing down to Ike Ugbo, McNeill, and Jamal Lowe. However, McNeill’s mixed performances have raised doubts about his readiness for a significant role in the team, prompting manager Danny Rohl to explore other striking options before the transfer deadline.

In a market where clubs are aggressively pursuing forwards, Rohl might opt to consider free agent Aaron Connolly as a viable solution. Despite being under the radar since his release from Hull, Connolly brings a wealth of experience with a goal-scoring record in both the Premier League and Championship. At 24 years old, the Republic of Ireland international could provide valuable backup support and mentorship for young talents like McNeill at Sheffield Wednesday in the upcoming season.

If Smith departs, the Owls must secure a dependable back-up striker in case Ugbo faces a long-term injury, potentially altering their attacking dynamics significantly. Acquiring Connolly for free appears to be a missed opportunity for other clubs. Sending McNeill on loan could be an option as he may not be prepared for Championship level. This scenario becomes more plausible if Smith remains at the club, enabling McNeill to gain experience by playing in lower divisions.