Sheffield Wednesday could lose up to eight strikers this summer (Connor Wickham, Omar Damba, Atdhe Nuhiu, Sam Winnall, Preslav Borukov, Fraser Preston, Fernando Forestieri, Steven Fletcher) and will need to scour the transfer market for at least one replacement.
One player the Owls have been linked with is Lyle Taylor. The 30-year-old is coming off the back of a prolific season at Charlton Athletic and is a free agent this summer, so he could fit the criteria for a Wednesday side targeting bargain buys.
Taylor isn’t getting any younger and has suffered injury problems, but a lot of supporters from Sheffield Wednesday Fans Forum and Sheffield Wednesday’s private group are keen for the centre-forward to be signed.
Sheila Heath: “His record looks all good, why not? We need (a) good striker.”
Danny Turner: “I’d say, yeah. Why not? Only issue is his age, but if he’s still got the fitness and stamina and can still score, why not? Fletcher is ageing, Nuhiu is a super-sub, Winnall doesn’t seem likely to start.”
Gavin James: “I’d say he’s probably a better striker than we have already, so why not?”
Danny Kaye: “Sign him up.”
Ted Fowler: “He looks the real deal, but he’s 30 and I would like to know his injury record before giving him a contract. He’s had a couple of decent seasons, (but) being a free transfer (means) he’ll want a decent wage.”
Michael Edwards: “Good record, but let’s not forget Jordan Rhodes and Sam Winnall had good records before they signed for us.”
Gemma N Michael Smith: “If he’s not wanting the earth, worth a punt for me. Quite pacey too.”
James Ratcliffe: He knows where the net is and might be what we can afford. If that’s the case then take him.”
Lee Ball: “Clearly knows where the back of the net is.”
Mick Iggo: “I would welcome him here.”
Steve Clay: “Yes, I would take him on a 2-year deal. Looked a very good player. There is a bit of the ability to create something from nothing.”
Josh Foulstone: “I’d definitely take him. Can’t be any worse than what we already have.”
Mark Lindley: “Yes, he has got swagger which I like in a striker.”
Mike Poulton: “100%, he’s quality. Just needs the players around him.”
Robert Atkin: “Not sure we could tempt him ahead of teams like Fulham, QPR or even Palace or Brighton. He’s worth a punt on a freebie.”
Anthony Swfc Yeardley: “Can’t be any worse (that what we have).”
Andy Chambers: “Yes please! Can see us getting shut of Rhodes and Nuhiu so his age doesn’t bother me. Always looks dangerous.”
Ben Ridley: “100% would have him. Don’t know why anyone wouldn’t.”
Alexander Scholes: “I’d sign him. We need a striker who can come in and start firing in goals straight away. If he’s on good form and free then he’d be a good addition to the squad.”
Chris Barton: “Defo worth a punt.”
Charlie Pearson: “110% get him in.”
Taylor joined Charlton from AFC Wimbledon in 2018 and has gone on to make 67 appearances in all competitions, scoring 36 goals and making 14 assists. The Montserrat international has impressed this season too, having a hand in 12 goals in 22 games, so he’d certainly improve Wednesday’s frontline.
Taylor is coming to the end of his two-year deal at The Valley and has no intention of staying at Charlton, so fans hope Wednesday try to capitalise on the situation.