'So hungry' - Sheffield Wednesday have been told what they can expect from Callum Slattery
Sheffield Wednesday are poised to strengthen their midfield department with the signing of Callum Slattery.
Sheffield Wednesday are edging closer to strengthening their midfield options with the signing of soon-to-be free agent Callum Slattery.
As revealed by The Star on Wednesday evening, the Owls are making progress in their efforts to sign the 27-year-old, who is available on a free transfer this summer ahead of his contract expiring at Motherwell next week.
Wednesday, who discovered their fixture list for the 2026/27 League One campaign on Thursday, are desperate to strengthen their midfield options this summer following the recent exits of Nathaniel Chalobah, Marvelous Nakamba, Rio Shipston and loanee Jaden Heskey. Svante Ingelsson is also heading for the exit after Wednesday agreed a deal with Stoke City earlier this week.
Wednesday, of course, are currently in the process of rebuilding their squad following relegation from the Championship last term. A plethora of signings are expected at Hillsborough over the coming weeks as the Owls get themselves ready for the beginning of a new era following Arise Capital Partners’ takeover last month.
In Slattery, Wednesday are poised to land themselves a technical, modern-day box-to-box midfielder who has also developed a reputation as a set piece specialist. He scored three goals and registered ten assists across all competitions for Motherwell last term, meaning he should bring creativity to the Owls’ midfield ranks.
Following the exits of the likes of Chalobah, Nakamba and Heskey, Wednesday are thin on numbers in midfield, meaning the anticipated arrival of Slattery could be the first of a handful of new arrivals in that particular area of the team. Former captain Barry Bannan is another target Wednesday are actively trying to sign.
Slattery has spent the last five years in Scotland, consistently making his mark in Motherwell colours. He is very highly thought of by their supporters, who have waxed lyrical about his creativity and class in possession.
In a nod to his quality, former Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou, who left Fir Park last month to move to Toulouse, said earlier this year that Slattery’s drive and hunger were just as important, claiming he has the ability to decide matches.
After Slattery had returned from a two-game ban for simulation, Askou, as quoted by The Scotsman, said: "He was hungry to come in and make a difference because he's been annoyed as hell that he hasn't been able to play. Now he can be just as important as he wants to be.
“If he decides he wants to be extremely important, as he has been for this club for many years now, then I'm sure he will be. He looks so hungry and has all the quality he needs to come in and decide any game at this level.”
Slattery, who was linked with Rangers and Celtic earlier this year, moved to Motherwell in 2021, joining the Scottish Premiership outfit from Southampton for an undisclosed fee. He made 148 appearances for the club, scoring 19 goals and registering 14 assists.