What next for £3m Sheffield Wednesday man?

The former Heerenveen man was snapped up ahead of the 2017/18 season as the Owls looked to bolster their backline, however he has gone on to make just 16 appearances in all competitions as his Hillsborough career failed to take off.

Now, with his loan at second-tier German side, Osnabruck, coming to an end shortly, the 26-year-old has admitted that he’s not sure what lies ahead for him – and whether it will involve a return to South Yorkshire.

Speaking to NHNieuws.nl in his native Netherlands, the Dutchman opened up about why he felt the need to move on after his return from injury (he suffered problems with his ankle and hamstring)) and what the next steps could be.

He said, " The injuries contributed to the fact that I played little. Last summer I re-joined the group after surgery, I was not the first choice in my position.

"I had not played football for a long time and wanted to go to a club where there was a good chance that I would play weekly. I was not waiting to be on the bench or the grandstand every game.

“I might be returning to Sheffield or going to another club after this season. At the moment, I'm keeping both options open. I haven't heard any plans from Sheffield. We'd have a conversation, but that has been postponed due to the corona crisis.”

Meanwhile, he also spoke highly of Wednesday’s away following, “The club often received complaints from supporters that there were not enough places available. There are three to four thousand people in a branch.”

In terms of statistics in Germany, Van Aken averages more clearances per game (5) than all but eight players in the league, and his 47.9 passes per game is the highest at his club.

Van Aken is one of two Owls players currently playing in the 2. Bundesliga, with Matt Penney – who will see his contract expire next month – on loan with St. Pauli at present.