Sheffield Wednesday are days away from discovering whether they will be playing in the Championship next season.
Sheffield Wednesday‘s transfer plans and contract negotiations are likely to begin in the immediate aftermath of this weekend’s matches.
The Owls will have to open talks with a majority of the first team squad as they look to tie down a number of their key players to new deals.
Meanwhile, Dejphon Chansiri is going to have to promise Danny Rohl that he will back him financially if he wants him to stay at the club.
While the chairman will have to open his wallet if they are to avoid a similar pattern next term, that doesn’t mean they can’t dip their toes in the free agent market.
There are plenty of brilliant players who are available for free this summer, and Wednesday could consider snapping up a couple to strengthen their squad depth.
Here are 12 free agents Sheffield Wednesday could target…
Ben Johnson
This is probably the most ambitious one as Ben Johnson is said to be raking in around £20,000-per-week at West Ham.
However, the defender has really struggled for regular game-time at his boyhood club and has managed only four starts in the Premier League, though he did make six starts in the early stages as they won the Europa Conference League last time out.
Johnson has been linked with Rangers though, and it would certainly take a lot of convincing to persuade him to move to Hillsborough.
Jay Rodriguez
While he is approaching his 35th birthday, Jay Rodriguez is a proven goalscorer in the Championship.
The forward netted 10 goals for Burnley last season and has 64 goals in 184 games in the second tier in his career.
With Wednesday likely to offload a number of their strikers this summer, Rodriguez could be a good addition to the squad.
Sam Gallagher
Sam Gallagher looks likely to leave Ewood Park this summer after bagging 74 goal contributions in 234 appearances for Blackburn.
The 28-year-old isn’t exactly a prolific goalscorer but his 6 ft 3 stature and big frame could definitely prove a lot to handle for defenders.
Stuart Armstrong
The 32-year-old is getting on a bit now but has been an important member of Southampton’s squad for years now, spending a majority of his career in the Premier League.
The Scot has five goals and seven assists this season and could potentially leave if the Saints are promoted.
Ivan Sunjic
Ivan Sunjic has revived his career at Birmingham City this season and has been a regular in the squad.
The midfielder could well leave St Andrews if they are relegated, though is whopping £17.5k-per-week wages could be a problem.
Ollie Rathbone
The midfielder has been one of the few positives for Rotherham United this season, having been named their man of the match inthree of the last four games.
With The Millers now relegated, he could well be tempted to leave the club and remain in the Championship.
Christian Walton
Christian Walton is an experienced goalkeeper who has been a regular in the Championship for the likes of Blackburn and Wigan.
The 28-year-old helped Ipswich Town win promotion last season, picking up the most clean sheets in the third tier (23).
However, injury at the start of the season meant he lost his place in the team and he hasn’t featured since.
Liam Cooper
A loyal servant for Leeds United, Liam Cooper looks set to leave the club after losing his place in the starting line-up.
The defender has bags of experience in the Championship and played a key role in their three seasons in the Premier League too.
Scott Hogan
Scott Hogan has really struggled for game-time this season, however he had netted 20 goals in Birmingham City’s previous two campaigns
He is thought to be earning a fair whack, but could be worth a punt if he was willing to lower his salary.
Danny Batth
The centre-back was Sunderland’s Player of the Season last time out, but soon find himself heading for the exit and has now failed to pick up a regular spot in Norwich City’s backline.
Danny Batth is likely to leave this summer and would be a brilliant free signing.
Josh Murphy
Josh Murphy has been linked with a move away from Oxford United after picking up nine goal contributions in his last 15 matches in League One.
The ‘wonderful’ winger hasn’t had much success in the Championship previously but could be worth the risk if the Owls can get him for nothing.
Femi Azeez
Femi Azeez has eight goals and nine assists this term for a struggling Reading side.
With the Royals finishing in 17th place in League One, it wouldn’t be surprising if he looks to leave to move further up the football pyramid.
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