Tom Lees has struggled for form and may need replacing over the summer, as Sheffield Wednesday have conceded more goals (24) than all but one Championship side in 2020 – Hull City (29).
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The Owls don’t have lucrative funds to bring in another centre-back so they may need to shop in the bargain basement for a new face. Who could be available on a free transfer this summer?
Daniel Ayala
Ayala joined Middlesbrough from Norwich City in 2014 and went on to make 216 appearances in all competitions, scoring and creating 30 goals. The 29-year-old skipper has been a regular this season, featuring in 25 league games, so Boro won’t want to let him go. They may require him to take a paycut to sign on, however.
Jake Cooper
Cooper joined Millwall permanently from Reading in 2017 after a successful loan spell and has made 151 appearances in all competitions for the Lions. His deal expires in the coming months, but Wednesday might struggle to land his signature as he’s coveted by Southampton and Aston Villa. Millwall are keen to tie the 25-year-old down to a new deal too, so Cooper may be a difficult acquisition to get over the line.
Mike van der Hoorn
Van der Hoorn joined Swansea City from Ajax in 2016 and has made 119 appearances in all competitions, scoring and creating nine goals. The 27-year-old had 25 games under his belt this season before picking up a serious knee injury, however, so Wednesday may be put off making a move. Swansea still want to tie him down but only on reduced terms.
Ryan Shotton
Shotton joined Middlesbrough from Birmingham City in 2017 and has made 80 appearances in all competitions. The 31-year-old has endured a lengthy injury layout but returned to the starting lineup when fit. Shotton’s deal is up in the coming months, but he’s clearly an important player to Jonathan Woodgate so it remains to be seen if he’ll be released.
Grant Hall
Hall joined Queens Park Rangers from Tottenham Hotspur in 2015 and has gone on to make 130 appearances in all competitions, scoring and creating seven goals. The 28-year-old has skippered the side this season, making 30 appearances in the Championship, so it would be a surprise if Hall was released in July.
Ashley Williams
Williams joined Bristol City from Everton last summer and has made 29 appearances in all competitions, contributing three goals. The 35-year-old has been a regular for the Robins this season, skippering the side on multiple occasions, so he’s a popular figure at Ashton Gate. His future may not be resolved until the end of the campaign, however, so Wednesday may have a chance to sign him.
