Sheffield Wednesday's defender decision suggests transfer plan is in place
The Owls’ recruitment plan is in full swing
Sheffield Wednesday’s decision to loan out one of their young defenders offers an insight into their transfer plans.
The Owls are rebuilding their squad from scratch following administration. Nine new players have arrived, but they still need many more to ensure they have strength in depth ahead of a gruelling nine-month League One campaign.
As well as incomings, there have been some departures, with Pierce Charles, Svante Ingelsson and Olaf Kobacki all leaving on permanent deals. Academy prospect Reece Johnson has also exited; his move is just a season loan at National League club Eastleigh.
Johnson, 20, signed a 12-month contract extension, and the club has the option to extend by another year, before his move to Eastleigh was confirmed. The defender made 16 appearances for Wednesday in all competitions last season, scoring on his debut against Bolton in the Carabao Cup.
With Johnson behind Max Lowe in the left-back ranks, he would have found minutes hard to come by so the move allows him to continue his development at senior level. From a transfer perspective, his departure means Wednesday are short on numbers in that position, suggesting they plan to bring in another left-back to compete with Lowe. The versatile Liam Palmer can also play there but he is right-footed. Other left-footers Sil Swinkels and Liam Cooper are natural centre-backs rather than full-backs.
Owls sporting director, Simon Wilson, said: “Reece has contributed to our first team throughout the last six months and this will allow him to continue earning opportunities at senior level. The National League is a challenging environment for young players and Eastleigh have a proven track record of developing talent. We look forward to playing our part in supporting Reece’s progress throughout the season.”
Wednesday are back at their Middlewood Road training ground this week ahead of a double-header friendly clash against Accrington Stanley (12.30pm) and Oldham Athletic (4pm).