Despite this, the Owls still did their fair share of wheeling and dealing, and continued to do so in January under Garry Monk, with new faces arriving and familiar ones being shown the door. Here's a look at how every player to leave Hillsborough - be it on loan of permanently - has fared so far this season.
9. Matt Penney - Loan - St Pauli
If you haven't seen his screamer against Hamburger SV, get it watched! He's not played as often as he would have liked, but has proved a solid backup option for the German side. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Photo: George Wood
10. Almen Abdi - Released
He was let go at the end of last summer, and doesn't appear to have managed to find himself a new club since. (Photo credit: MALTE CHRISTIANS/DPA/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: DPA
11. Gary Hooper - Released
In an interesting career move, the striker ended up with New Zealand side Wellington Phoenix, He's been in fine form, too, scoring six goals and making four assists in 16 games. (Photo by Masanori Udagawa/Getty Images) Photo: Masanori Udagawa
12. Marco Matias - Released
He's now playing back in the Portguese Premeira League with Belenenses. He's been used largely as an impact substitute. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Photo: George Wood