Sheffield Wednesday hatching plans for January transfer window under new owners - but it's tricky
Sheffield Wednesday are making plans for the January transfer window, though Henrik Pedersen has admitted the task is trickier given the club’s current position with regard to restriction uncertainty.
The Owls were permitted to sign two free agents earlier this month and brought in former Premier League figures Liam Cooper and Nathan Redmond. It is understood that the club had made a play to the EFL to be able to bring in another figure in the form of Duncan Watmore, who has spent time training behind the scenes at Middlewood Road.
As things stand they will not be able to do so and though communications are ongoing, the understanding is that any further easing of restrictions is unlikely in the short-term. To further strengthen their squad, it is thought Wednesday will need to clear the EFL breaches they remain under - which will be the other side of administration. Given the vetting process undertaken at the ratification of any takeover, new owners will have no issue providing the EFL’s Club Financial Reporting Unit with the necessary assurances over the club’s cashflow.
The Star reported last week that efforts had started identifying potential targets and holding exploratory talks with clubs ahead of January, when it is understood Wednesday are expected remain limited to free agent additions and no-fee loan signings even after new owners are in situ - though further restrictions that have limited activity so far will be lifted.
The timescale of a takeover and fresh ownership could see a preferred bidder identified within the next couple of weeks, though even at an expediated rate the ultimate ratification process - and the subsequent clearing of EFL breaches - could leak into January itself. Even then, any recruitment activity may be influenced by the strategy of the new owners.
Speaking last week ahead of Saturday’s clash with Preston North End, Pedersen told The Star: “We can only prepare on how we see our squad and which positions can help us to have more players, to change players. It is difficult. We can prepare for players and which interesting loan players could be there, which interesting free transfer players could be there. To look for a player to pay for, we do not think it will be possible.
“We prepare a little bit, but it is so difficult until we know the rules from the EFL and until we know who will be our new owner because in the end they will have to decide what strategy they want for Sheffield Wednesday in the future.”