Striker struggles for minutes as Devlan Moses makes debut in Sheffield Wednesday loan round-up
All the very latest on Sheffield Wednesday’s loan contingent following the end of the summer transfer window.
It goes without saying that it was a busy summer transfer window for Sheffield Wednesday.
Alongside overseeing a major squad rebuild that saw 18 new players come through the door, Wednesday also handled a number of departures, with players leaving both permanently and on loan.
Talented goalkeeper Pierce Charles and midfielder Svante Ingelsson were the headline exits, joining Manchester City and Stoke City respectively, while a number of other players also departed on temporary deals in search of regular first-team football.
With that in mind, The Star has taken a look at how those currently out on loan have been getting on so far this season...
Iké Ugbo - Apollon Limassol FC
After asking Wednesday to try to facilitate a fresh start for him during the summer, Ugbo joined Cypriot club Apollon Limassol on a season-long loan at the very start of August, giving him a chance to hit the reset button after his Owls career had come to a halt.
He had not been involved in Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen’s pre-season plans and was forced to train away from the first-team squad. He had also not played for the Owls since their 2-1 defeat to Derby County at Pride Park on March 7.
His temporary move to Cyprus has seen him make two appearances for Apollon so far, both of which have come from the substitutes’ bench, limiting him to just 49 minutes of football. He was an unused substitute as Apollon beat Anorthosis Famagusta 3-1 on Saturday.
Charlie McNeill - Crewe Alexandra
Wednesday made the decision to allow McNeill to join League Two side Crewe Alexandra last month in order for him to secure more regular game time. He benefitted from the situation Wednesday found themselves in last season, making 43 appearances across all competitions, but upgrades to the Owls’ attack over the summer meant opportunities looked as though they could be limited.
Since joining Crewe last month, the former Manchester United man has made six appearances for the Railwaymen, providing one assist. After featuring in each of their first three League Two matches from the bench, McNeill has started their last two games, helping them earn a point apiece against Walsall (2-2) and York City (1-1), respectively.
He started Saturday’s 1-1 draw with York on the right flank before being replaced by Joel Tabiner with 63 minutes on the clock. Crewe are still unbeaten in League Two this season after winning two and drawing three of their opening five matches.
Reece Johnson - Eastleigh
After extending his contract at Hillsborough in July, Wednesday made the decision to send Johnson on loan to National League outfit Eastleigh for the duration of the 2026/27 campaign. The left-sided defender made 16 appearances for the Owls last term, including 12 in the Championship, as the off-field situation left boss Pedersen with very few senior players to choose from.
Eastleigh, who have a reputation for developing young talent, have made a solid start to the campaign, collecting 10 points from their first six matches. They currently sit three places and one point outside the play-off places.
Johnson, 20, has played his part in their encouraging start to the campaign, featuring in five of their first six matches. He had made four successive starts before being introduced as a late substitute in last Friday night's 2-1 away defeat to Altrincham.
Logan Stretch - Buxton
Goalkeeper Stretch was the first player to leave Hillsborough on loan during the summer, joining National League North outfit Buxton on a season-long loan deal. He made his Wednesday debut last season, coming off the bench to replace Charles in their 2-0 defeat to Brentford in the third round of the FA Cup at Hillsborough.
Wednesday rebuilt their goalkeeping department ahead of this season, bringing in Joe Lumley, Ashley Maynard-Brewer and Connal Trueman. As a result, it made sense for Stretch to head out on loan and gain some valuable first-team experience.
Linking up with former Owls youth coach Jordan Broadbent in Derbyshire, Stretch has established himself as Buxton's No. 1, starting five of their first seven league games this season. Despite helping them to three victories so far, he is still searching for his first clean sheet. He was in goal for Saturday's 4-0 away defeat to Morecambe.
Devlan Moses - Buxton
Unlike clubs in the Premier League and the English Football League, non-league sides do not have to conduct their transfer business during transfer windows, meaning they can add to their squads at any point. That rule paved the way for Buxton to swoop for Owls youngster Moses on Saturday, signing him on loan until December 5.
The Northern Ireland youth international is highly rated in S6 after boasting an impressive goalscoring record for Wednesday’s Under-18s and Under-21s. He made the step up to the first team last season, capitalising on Wednesday’s limited attacking options, and made nine appearances in league and cup competitions.
The striker, who signed a new deal at Hillsborough during the summer, was thrown straight into the Buxton starting XI for their trip to Morecambe. He played 80 minutes as they were well beaten by Morecambe. Reunited with Owls teammate Stretch, Moses will be hoping to secure another start when Buxton host Brackley Town on Tuesday evening.