Despite this, the Owls still did their fair share of wheeling and dealing, and continued to do so in January under Garry Monk, with new faces arriving and familiar ones being shown the door. Here's a look at how every player to leave Hillsborough - be it on loan of permanently - has fared so far this season.
1. Lucas Joao - Sold - Reading
The will-he-won't-he-leave saga dominated the summer, before the striker was eventually snapped up by the Royals for around £5m. He had a purple patch scoring five goals in December, before succumbing to a hamstring injury. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images) Photo: Jordan Mansfield
2. George Boyd - Free transfer - Peterborough United
The versatile midfielder went back to his old stomping ground, in a highly popular move with Posh fans. His side are making a strong promotion push, and he's been a key figure in their central midfield. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) Photo: Nathan Stirk
3. Connor Kirby - Loan - Macclesfield
He's been getting bags of playing time with the Silkmen, who were embroiled in quite the relegation crap before the coronavirus football lockdown. Only one outfield player at the club has had more minutes than him this season. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images) Photo: Nigel Roddis
4. Daniel Pudil - Free transfer - Mlada Boleslav
Pudil headed back to his native Czech Republic after being released last summer. His side are riding high in fifth place in the top tier, and he's had some Europa League involvement too. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Photo: George Wood