Exclusive:Three new faces spotted in Sheffield Wednesday colours ahead of summer of change
Sheffield Wednesday have got three new trialists in at U18 level, with the trio all featuring over the weekend.
A summer of change awaits at Middlewood Road, with lots of ins and outs expected across the board come June – from the first team to the U21s and below.
With that in mind, Wednesday are looking at potential new options for the 2026/27 campaign, with the likes of James Ward, Joel Martin and Matty Taylor having all spent time with the club over the last couple of weeks.
This weekend saw the Owls’ U18s face Crewe Alexandra on the road, and there were three trialists listed in the XI. The Star understands that none of them were the aforementioned names, none of which featured in the 4-0 defeat.
One of those present was Leeds United youngster, Elton Simo, who is a 17-year-old midfielder that has featured 10 times in the U18 Premier League this season. He hasn’t, however, been involved in any of the Whites’ matches this month.
Another name believed to have featured is defender, Feyi Afuape. The teenager, who plays for Barnsley, has also spent time on loan with Guiseley during his young career, but could be on the lookout for a new team this summer.
The third trialist, Daniel Vanderpuye, is currently on the books of Lincoln City. The striker, 18, scored nine goals in 26 games last season, but it as the second year of his scholarship with the Imps comes to an end it may be time for a new challenge. He’s spent time out on loan with Gainsborough Trinity and Lincoln United.
As for the other U18s that played against Crewe… Charlie Hobbs started in goal behind a defence including Jacob Jessop, Jamie Darley, and captain, Kailen Hatfield. Elsewhere there were starts for Oscar Wildman, Noah Dixon, Kleven De Oliveira and Liam Clayton.