5 free agents Sheffield Wednesday could seal bargain transfers for this summer | OneFootball

Rising strikers to experienced defenders: Sheffield Wednesday could solve their depth and performance challenges with these five free agents

Sheffield Wednesday face critical recruitment challenges this summer, with several key positional needs demanding immediate attention.

The Owls are desperately short in defence, plagued by an injury-prone and ageing backline that has exposed the squad's vulnerability throughout the season. With Akin Famewo and Marvin Johnson set to leave as it currently stands, a left-sided defender becomes a priority.

The midfield also faces a significant gap with Shea Charles likely returning to Southampton, while the forward line continues to struggle with persistent goalscoring issues.

Manager Danny Rohl will need to be strategic in addressing these weaknesses, identifying free agents who can provide immediate impact and long-term solutions across these critical areas of the team - here are FIVE that could be good ones to eye up before the summer arrives.

Nelson Weiper

19 year old striker Nelson Weiper fits the ‘Danny Rohl player’ mold. A prolific youth international with Germany, the Mainz 05 forward has shown plenty flashes of promise in his 12 appearances for the first team this season.

As seen with young prospects Olaf Kobacki and Charlie McNeill, the Owls manager is keen to change the strategic culture at Hillsborough with young, sometimes unproven signings, driven by data.

Weiper could be an excellent addition to Rohl’s new regime, but moving to England of course would be a risk at such a young age.

Emil Riis

If acquiring Nelson Weiper represents a gamble - Emil Riis would be sure-fire Championship experience.

Likely to lose Michael Smith in the summer if the veteran wants first-team football on a regular basis, Sheffield Wednesday have big boots to fill for a proven second tier goalscorer, and Riis could be that man.

Consistently netting in a low-scoring Preston North End side - including a 20-goal return in all competitions in 2021/22 - Riis could be the seasoned player that enhances the performance of Ike Ugbo and Charlie McNeill in Michael Smith’s absence.

The Dane is a high-volume shooter who has recently been living up to his xG metrics: he could be the finishing touch in those increasingly-frequent Wednesday games where the finishing touch is lacking.

Yvan Neyou

Owls fans may be familiar with Cameroonain international Yvan Neyou without even knowing it - the CD Leganes midfielder completed a full 90 at the Owls preseason friendly against the Spanish club.

Since his cameo at Hillsborough, Neyou has been a regular in the heart of Leganes’ midfield, putting up impressive defensive numbers in a team that sits just above the drop zone in La Liga.

Particularly noteworthy, however, is the statistical similarity to Southampton loanee Shea Charles - who will almost undoubtedly return to the Saints for good at the end of the 24/25 season.

With the caveat that Leganes have played around eight games less than Wednesday so far this season, the 28-year-old posts impressive numbers against the incredibly popular Charles.

High rates of ball winning actions - tackles, duels and interceptions - in addition to successful dribbles, shows that both players have skill regaining possession and progressing the game - a quality in Charles that have made so many Wednesdayites get off their seats so far this season.

Harry Darling

Another familiar face in the Championship, Swansea City’s Harry Darling could bolster an Owls defence that has had difficulties with depth all season.

Contrary to the troublesome injury records of Dominic Iorfa and Akin Famewo, Darling comes with an impressive availability record, amassing over 100 appearances over his three seasons in South Wales.

Importantly, Darling’s capability with the ball at his feet would be integral in the Owls defence, with patient build up being Rohl’s modus operandi. The 25 year old boasts impressive pass completion rates, especially when passing into the box or final third.

Shaquille Pinas

Surnamiese international Shaquille Pinas could be a welcome addition to Sheffield Wednesday’s left side when his services become available in the summer.

The Owls will undoubtedly be looking for a capable left-back and left sided centre back should Akin Famewo and Marvin Johnson depart in the summer, and Pinas could kill two birds with one stone.

Currently at Hammarby in the Allsvenskan, Pinas started all 28 league games in Sweden, chipping in with four goals from the backline.

Capable attacking from full back and boasting impressive defensive numbers, 26-year old Pinas certainly fits both the classic Sheffield Wednesday profile of a versatile player, but also suits the new criteria of a numerically impressive, data-backed signing.