Sheffield Wednesday is once again facing financial turmoil that jeopardizes two of their brightest prospects. Following much of 2025 spent under various transfer embargoes due to unpaid wages, the Owls find themselves in a familiar predicament. Notably, top scorer Josh Windass chose to cancel his contract to join Wrexham this summer after going unpaid as the transfer window approached—his departure was quicker than a gambler spotting a juicy welcome bonus.
A Brutal Summer Exodus
The summer transfer window was particularly harsh for the Owls, with 13 first-team players leaving the club. The only transfer fee received was from Djeidi Gassama’s move to Rangers. With a threadbare squad at his disposal, manager Henrik Pedersen has turned to youth, giving Carabao Cup debuts to two 16-year-olds, Yisa Alao and Will Grainger. Both players are highly regarded at Hillsborough and are seen as having genuine potential. No wonder the club’s supporters are pinning their hopes on these talented youngsters.
Uncertain Futures for Rising Stars
However, there’s a significant catch. Alao and Grainger are set to turn 17 in the coming months, but Wednesday’s transfer embargo is set to last until the end of January 2027. This means the club cannot offer them professional contracts right now. Any new contracts require approval from the EFL, and with players and staff facing delayed wages for September, it’s highly doubtful that the governing body will grant any additional spending room.
Internal discussions are currently underway about the teenagers’ futures, but unless circumstances change, they could depart on free transfers.
The Ongoing Struggles of Sheffield Wednesday
Wednesday has already seen Caelan Cadamarteri move to Manchester City this summer. Owner Dejphon Chansiri continues to refuse to step aside, and the club’s issues show no signs of easing. The eagerly awaited English football regulator, anticipated to be introduced in October 2025, should possess the authority to intervene. However, until Parliament fast-tracks this into law, the Owls may continue to flounder.
Hope for the Future
Supporters are anxiously awaiting the arrival of that regulator. Without it, the club risks losing more homegrown talent faster than you can say “offside.” Fans hope to gain clarity on what comes next before another young star takes a free train out of town.