Sam Winnall could be on his way out of Sheffield Wednesday as he’s not expected to be handed a new deal this summer, but the Owls will now have to locate a replacement without much of a transfer budget.
Wednesday have been forced to sign loan players and free transfers over the last two years, so anyone coming in for the 29-year-old would need to fit the criteria.
Taiwo Awoniyi could be perfect for the Owls. He’s been loaned out by Liverpool in recent seasons and may jump at the chance to prove himself in England to boost his hopes of first-team football back at his parent club.
The 22-year-old joined Liverpool from Nigeria’s Imperial Soccer Academy in 2015 but has yet to make an appearance. Upon his arrival, he was immediately loaned out to FSV Frankfurt (13 appearances in 2.Bundesliga, one goal, one assist) for the season.
Awoniyi spent 2016/17 at NEC Nijmegen (18 Eredivisie appearances, two goals), 2017/18 at Royal Excel Mouscron (36 First Division A appearances, 14 goals, 7 assists), 2018/19 at KAA Gent (16 First Division A appearances) and this season at 1. FSV Mainz 05 (six Bundesliga appearances).
The Nigerian striker hasn’t been prolific in recent years, but he may be more successful playing second-tier football. Awoniyi could improve his chances of playing for Liverpool if he can impress in England, so Wednesday should have him on their radar at the very least.
