It was reported this week that Sheffield Wednesday striker Gary Hooper was a potential January transfer window target for MLS sides DC United and Vancouver Whitecaps. It was also claimed that at least one Chinese Super League side was interested in his services.
The 30-year-old is out of contract come next summer, so a pre-contract deal with a side abroad is now a serious option for the player and the expectation is he’ll move on when his deal expires given the money he’s on, and the time he’s spent out injured on the sidelines – his last appearance being Boxing Day 2017 in the victory over Nottingham Forest. Missing the player for that long has obviously been a blow as 2017/18 saw him play 25 games with a return of 11 goals and his overall record in his time at Hillsborough has been 24 goals in 60 starts and ten substitute showings.
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Reacting to the news this week of the reported interest, most fans accept he is departing as they doubt he will get back to his best for us, but plenty would obviously see a nominal fee come in for him but that is incredibly unlikely.
Love hoops but that last paragraph is why he should probably leave when contract ends #swfc
— markowl ???? (@johnada75157425) January 7, 2019
Best finisher we have had at the club for many a year. First real decent striker we signed really with some money and bar injuries he is as good as you get in this divison. Strong, great footballing brain; Classy operator with a body made of biscuits. #swfc
— BazOwl (@barriestraps) January 7, 2019
Big shame but I think time to move on
— DK (@DanKris1985) January 7, 2019
For me he starts every game if he’s fit. He’s just never fit
— Mark Savory (@CamembertMark) January 7, 2019
Lucky that "supposedly" 2 teams are interested in a player, that ain't played for 13 months & is still out injured. Get him sold if true.
— keiron wilcock (@keiron1972) January 8, 2019
As much as I do like hooper, contract is coming to an end, has been injury prone for a while now. Do the decent thing and let him go. No where near ready to make an impact. Free his wage up and get a PROLIFIC striker
— lee danysz (@leedanysz) January 7, 2019
Fantastic player when fit. One of the best in the division. We missed him badly in some key games
— Martin Wright (@MartinWright01) January 7, 2019
Whether he leaves or stays, I don't think we will see him in an owls shirt #swfc
— Jonny Jones (@SwfcJonesy) January 7, 2019
Best to cash in tbh. Great player when fit, but hasn't been fit for a while.
— Rich Hargreaves (@rkhargreaves) January 7, 2019
The alternative is, a new deal on a significantly reduced wage.