14 Championship free agents who could be the best options for Sheffield Wednesday

By Liam Norcliffe

Published 21st May 2026, 12:38 BST

The transfer window officially opens on June 15

Owls CEO David Bruce laughed when he said Sheffield Wednesday need to sign ‘quite a few’ players this summer.

And he is not wrong. There is a massive rebuilding job ahead of the League One season starting in August.

Bruce says they will be aggressive, smart and act quickly as they aim to put together a competitive squad. He said that targets are ‘emerging’ and that they need to take opportunities and start to ‘execute’ their plans.

The transfer window does not officially open until June 15 but clubs will announce agreements with players before then.

The free agent market will be significant for many clubs, including Wednesday, so we have looked at 14 players released by Championship clubs who might be the pick of the bunch.

Have a scroll through and let us know what you think on our social media channels.

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The midfielder, 31, has spent the last seven years at Coventry City, winning League One and Championship titles, making 200 appearances, scoring 12 goals and grabbing 12 assists. Frank Lampard called him a 'top player and incredible professional.'

1. Jamie Allen

The midfielder, 31, has spent the last seven years at Coventry City, winning League One and Championship titles, making 200 appearances, scoring 12 goals and grabbing 12 assists. Frank Lampard called him a 'top player and incredible professional.' | Getty Images

The Aussie left-back, 31, is available after leaving Derby County. The defender has won promotion from League One three times with Wigan, Derby and Hull. He has made close to 30 appearances in each of the last two seasons in the Championship.

2. Callum Elder

The Aussie left-back, 31, is available after leaving Derby County. The defender has won promotion from League One three times with Wigan, Derby and Hull. He has made close to 30 appearances in each of the last two seasons in the Championship. | Getty Images

The long-serving right-back, 27, leaves his boyhood Millwall after 12 years and 166 appearances, although the former Republic of ireland youth international was limited to only 16 outings this season because of injury.

3. Danny McNamara

The long-serving right-back, 27, leaves his boyhood Millwall after 12 years and 166 appearances, although the former Republic of ireland youth international was limited to only 16 outings this season because of injury. | Getty Images

Needs no introduction to Owls fans after his three seasons at the club between 2019 and 2022. Had his fitness problems but went on to win successive promotions with Ipswich Town, reaching the Premier League. Signed for Millwall last summer but suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee last October and was ruled out for the season. Many fans would probably take him back if his fitness was guaranteed.

4. Massimo Luongo

Needs no introduction to Owls fans after his three seasons at the club between 2019 and 2022. Had his fitness problems but went on to win successive promotions with Ipswich Town, reaching the Premier League. Signed for Millwall last summer but suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee last October and was ruled out for the season. Many fans would probably take him back if his fitness was guaranteed. | Getty Images