Sheffield Wednesday's summer signings so far as Henrik Pedersen faces conundrum he has been waiting for
Ahead of Saturday’s League One opener against Leyton Orient, Sheffield Wednesday have added 13 new players to their squad this summer.
Following an unprecedented 2025/26 campaign, this summer’s transfer window was always going to be a busy one at Sheffield Wednesday.
Ahead of Saturday’s League One opener against Leyton Orient at the BetWright Stadium, the Owls’ tally of new additions stands at 13, with former Everton midfielder Tyler Onyango, who finalised his move to Hillsborough last Friday, their latest recruit.
Following a mass exodus last summer and further departures at the end of last season, Wednesday knew they were going into this summer’s transfer window requiring both quality and quantity. It is not unrealistic to suggest their tally of incomings could stand at 20 by the end of the window on September 1.
Almost every area of the squad has been added to, meaning manager Henrik Pedersen, despite remaining short in some areas, now has the luxury of having facing selection dilemmas after being starved of players throughout his first season in charge.
With that in mind, here is a reminder of who has arrived at Hillsborough this summer and what they will add to the squad...
Joe Lumley
After spending a brief period on loan at Hillsborough last season, Lumley has returned on a permanent basis, signing a two-year deal. It is understood that Wednesday did not initially intend for him to be their first-choice goalkeeper this season, but budget restrictions and other factors have seen him become manager Henrik Pedersen’s main man between the posts.
Lumley has been prone to the occasional error throughout his career, particularly during his time in the Championship, so the Owls will be hoping he can cut those mistakes out this term. That said, he brings plenty of experience, having made more than 150 Championship appearances and 46 in League One.
However, he faces a significant challenge to fill the void left by Pierce Charles, who departed the club last month.
Ashley Maynard-Brewer
With Charles gone, former loanee Murphy Cooper returning to QPR before being sold to Plymouth Argyle, and youngster Logan Stretch heading out on loan, Wednesday’s goalkeeping department has needed rebuilding this summer. Maynard-Brewer was the third addition to the goalkeeping ranks, arriving earlier this month following a spell in Scotland with Dundee United.
Despite moving to Hillsborough from north of the border, the 27-year-old Australian knows League One well, having made 70 appearances in the third tier for Charlton Athletic before swapping London for Dundee in January this year. He made 19 League One starts for the Addicks during their promotion-winning campaign in 2024/25.
With that experience under his belt, Maynard-Brewer will be hoping to push Lumley every step of the way, keeping his fellow goalkeeper on his toes while putting himself in contention for the starting spot.
Connal Trueman
Trueman arrived at Hillsborough just under a fortnight ago, becoming the Owls’ second goalkeeper signing of the summer. Like the aforementioned duo, he joined on a free transfer, meaning Wednesday have been able to rebuild their goalkeeping department without paying a transfer fee.
The 30-year-old was available for nothing after leaving MK Dons at the end of last season. Trueman joined the Dons in February 2025 on an initial deal until the end of the 2024/25 campaign, before the Buckinghamshire club extended his stay for the 2025/26 season.
Trueman made just seven appearances for Paul Warne’s side last term, with his most recent outing coming as far back as November. He started only one League Two fixture, but helped the Dons fight back from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw.
Ricardo Santos
The big defender was Wednesday’s first addition of the summer, arriving from Championship club Swansea City for an undisclosed fee. Although he did not feature during pre-season due to fitness issues, his place on the bench against Bolton Wanderers at the weekend provided encouragement that his Owls debut may not be too far away.
Vastly experienced in League One, the towering centre-back will bring leadership, height and aggression to Wednesday’s defensive ranks. With almost 200 appearances in the third tier to his name, the 31-year-old knows the division inside out, and Wednesday will be hoping to lean on that experience as he looks to provide guidance to those around him.
Fitness is the main concern Wednesdayites have raised regarding Santos, particularly given that he made just one appearance for Swansea last season.
Sil Swinkels
Recruited from Aston Villa on a three-year deal, Swinkels is a defender Wednesday have high hopes for — and it is easy to understand why. Not only is he dominant in the air, he is also a very capable centre-back in possession, with his performance on his debut against Bolton earning plenty of praise.
The Dutchman, who spent the second half of last season on loan at nearby Chesterfield, also brings balance to Wednesday’s centre-back options given his profile as a left-footed player. He is comfortable striding into midfield and progressing the ball, meaning he could be key to Wednesday’s ambitions of building attacks through the thirds.
Not turning 23 until January, Swinkels is by no means the finished article. He will need time to adapt to and adjust to a club where expectations will be high this season. However, early indications suggest he will be a regular starter.
Billy Mitchell
Could he be one of the best signings Wednesday make this summer? If he can stay out of the treatment room, there is every chance. Defensive midfielder Mitchell might not be the most exciting signing on paper, but he could prove to be one of the most important additions the Owls make.
After making 29 Championship appearances for Millwall last season, he was offered a new contract to stay at The Den, as well as attracting interest from Watford. However, he decided a move to Hillsborough and a first stint in League One was the best move for him at this stage of his career.
The 25-year-old will bring defensive nous and control to Wednesday’s midfield, allowing their more adventurous players to strut their stuff. He is the midfield anchor that most teams are in need of nowadays.
Tyler Onyango
Signed after impressing on trial, former Everton youngster Onyango adds a sense of versatility to Wednesday’s midfield options. He is no stranger to Owls sporting director Simon Wilson, having spent time on loan at Stockport County in each of the last two seasons. The 23-year-old can also play at right-back and at centre-back in a back three.
Wednesday, one would think, will look to primarily use him in the engine room, providing a rotational option for Mitchell. Onyango has had injury problems of his own in the past, meaning Wednesday’s biggest task might be keeping him fit.
Having given him a three-year deal, Wednesday clearly see potential in the former Forest Green Rovers loanee. He will therefore be looking to kick on at Hillsborough after a series of loan spells over the last few years.
Barry Bannan
This man doesn’t really need an introduction, does he? Just months after leaving Wednesday to join Millwall, the iconic midfielder returned to Hillsborough in July, signing a one-year deal to try to add to the 477 appearances he chalked up during his first spell in blue and white.
Bringing experience, class and quality to the table, it was a no-brainer to bring Bannan back to S6 for life in League One. He might turn 37 later this year, but he has no intention of winding down just yet. He marked his second Wednesday debut against Bolton at the weekend with a trademark assist for Jamal Lowe’s winner.
Such is his quality in possession, Bannan will be expected to dictate games this season, create chances and score goals. If Wednesday are serious about bouncing back to the Championship at the first attempt, he will be key to their efforts.
Callum Slattery
Like Maynard-Brewer, Slattery arrived at Hillsborough this summer from north of the border, moving to South Yorkshire following the end of his time at Motherwell. He had options to go elsewhere, but Wednesday won the race for his signature, tying him down to a three-year deal.
Drafted in to add goals and creativity to the team, the former Southampton youngster already looks like a tidy operator. Renowned for drawing fouls and being silky with the ball at his feet, the 27-year-old has quickly established himself in the No. 10 berth.
Adventurous and creative with the ball, Slattery will be expected to provide goals and assists on a regular basis from the tip of midfield. Described as “one of the most sought-after free agents this summer” by recruitment guru Wilson, Wednesday will be hoping he lives up to expectations.
Jordi Liongola
An interesting addition in more ways than one. The Burundi international was snapped up from Belgian club RAAL La Louvière for an undisclosed fee in June, signing a three-year deal.
Described as an ‘attacking full-back’ upon his arrival at Hillsborough, Liongola made his Wednesday debut against Bolton as a right-sided winger. However, his performance demonstrated why he could also operate effectively at right-back if required.
He regularly tracked back to support the Owls’ defensive efforts, making 15 defensive contributions in total. Pedersen admitted afterwards that he is “not sure” what Liongola’s long-term position will ultimately be.
Nevertheless, his versatility, athleticism and pace make him an intriguing option. His final ball, based on Saturday’s evidence, still needs some work, but there were enough positive signs to suggest he could prove to be a very useful addition.
Louie Barry
Wednesday’s statement signing. After impressing on loan in League One at Stockport County previously, scoring 19 goals, Barry moved to Hillsborough on a permanent basis last month, taking up a good chunk of Wednesday’s budget.
The former Barcelona youngster, 23, is now at a juncture in his career where he needs to put down some roots after a series of loan spells in recent years, and both Wednesday and the attacker believe Hillsborough is the ideal environment for him to do just that.
Like Slattery, he has been brought to Hillsborough to provide goals and creativity. Cutting inside from the left flank and shooting with his right foot is his trademark move, meaning you should expect to regularly see that as his Owls career unfolds.
If Wednesday get the best out of him, he could be in the conversation for the League One Signing of the Summer.
Mason Burstow
After scoring 12 goals on loan at Bolton in League One last season, Wednesday swooped for Burstow earlier this month, signing him on loan from Hull City for the duration of the season. He is a versatile attacker, capable of playing out wide or through the middle, but the expectation is that the Owls will try to utilise him as a No. 9.
He made his debut against his former club at the weekend but was given very little to work with, meaning it was difficult to get a true reflection of what he will bring to S6.
Wednesday, in the eyes of most, still need one or two additions to the striking department, meaning it remains to be seen whether Burstow will establish himself as their chief striker this season. Only his form and performances will provide the answer.
Harry Gray
Like Burstow, Gray has swapped one Yorkshire club for another this summer, joining Wednesday on a season-long loan deal from Leeds United. The 17-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Rotherham United and will be looking to take his game to the next level at Hillsborough.
Bringing a degree of versatility to the table, Gray can play off the left flank, through the middle as a No. 10, or as a centre-forward, meaning he gives Wednesday plenty of flexibility.
Given his age, it is unlikely that he will be installed as Wednesday’s chief goal-getter this season. However, his potential means he is expected to play an important role over the course of the campaign.
He is highly rated by Leeds, and there was plenty of competition for his signature, meaning he could turn out to be a very exciting addition for the Owls.