Sheffield Wednesday make youth signings including Nigeria-born striker
Sheffield Wednesday have added to their youth ranks.
A number of signings have been added to the youth ranks at Sheffield Wednesday.
The Owls have enjoyed a manic and transformative summer transfer window in which 17 players have been brought into the first team squad. The loan addition of Jaden Heskey from Manchester City is believed to be done barring official confirmation and as things stand, suggestions are that he will serve as the final signing of the window - though free agent deals can be completed beyond this evening’s 11pm deadline.
Like just about every other aspect of the club since the arrival of new owners Arise Capital Partners, the Wednesday academy has seen changes over recent months and the annual influx of youngsters to have signed a pro deal with the Owls.
One such deal is that of Nigeria-born former Kilmarnock striker Samuel Duruh, 18, who has spent time on loan in Scottish non-league football. Duruh spent his formative years in Spain where he spent time playing in a club with links to Valencia before moving with his family to Scotland aged 10. He initially spent time with Motherwell before making the switch to Killie and signed professional terms last year.
The Star understands further additions have been secured to professional contracts and confirmation of those deals is expected in due course.
With operations at Middlewood Road re-jigged, the academy has seen the bulk of its more senior activity moved to a training base at the Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park on Bawtry Road. A number of varied roles have been advertised across the academy operation and further plans are in place.
“We are still at the very, very beginning,” Owls boss Henrik Pedersen said on the efforts being made across the club. “The same for the academy and the rest of the club. We are happy for the strategy, we are happy for the plan, but of course we have to upgrade in any direction of this football club.”