5 free-agents Sheffield Wednesday could try sign now or in the summer | OneFootball

Highlights

Despite the transfer window slamming shut just over a month ago, clubs are still able to sign free agents now who would immediately be eligible to play.

With Sheffield Wednesday currently in the midst of a relegation battle, Danny Röhl may be looking at the free agent market closely to see if there's anyone worth signing who could make a difference and help the Owls retain their Championship status.

Wednesday made a dreadful start to the Championship season and looked dead and buried in October, but Röhl has come in and given the club a fighting chance of remaining in the division.

Saturday's win away to Rotherham United was the club's third consecutive win, and they're now just three points from safety.

It would be an incredible story if the Owls were to survive and, as they've put themselves in contention to do so, they may look for some extra bodies through the door at Hillsborough to get them over the line.

With that in mind, here are 5 free agents Sheffield Wednesday could try to sign now or in the summer.

Nico Schulz

German international Nico Schulz has been training with the Owls recently after working alongside Danny Röhl when he was the assistant manager of the German national team.

The 12-time German international left-back has been a free agent since the summer of 2023 after being released by Borussia Dortmund.

However, he hasn't played since May 2022 after allegations of grievous bodily harm against a former partner.

Schulz was in court last week and was told to pay five different non-profit organisations, including women's charities, €30,000 each – to the total of €150,000 – and if he does so within three months, then the case will be discontinued, according to The Star.

There's no doubt that signing a former German international would a great move for the Owls, but it remains to be seen if the club go through with it, with a Sheffield Wednesday women's supporter's club urging the club to "think carefully" about signing Schulz.

Tariqe Fosu

Former Brentford man Tariqe Fosu has been a free agent since his contract with the Bees expired last summer.

The winger spent last season on loan at Championship sides Stoke City and Rotherham United, where he made 39 appearances, 28 of those being starts where he registered one goal and three assists.

He has a wealth of Championship experience, playing 89 games in the division in total, registering six goals and seven assists.

Fosu, who has four caps for Ghana, could be a decent addition for the Owls with his Championship experience, and a short-term spell at the club between now and the end of the season could help to put him in the shop window for a longer contract in the summer.

He spent time on trial at MLS side Charlotte FC last month, but there has seemingly been no contract offered to the 28-year-old, which means he's still an option for the Owls.

Josh Onomah

Ex-Preston man Josh Onomah was once seen as one of English football's brightest young talents, but it hasn't quite worked out for the former Spurs academy man.

He has been a free agent since his contract at Deepdale expired last summer after signing a short-term deal with the club in January 2023 after moving from Fulham.

The 26-year-old midfielder has a wealth of experience, with 26 Premier League appearances to his name and 112 Championship games under his belt.

Having played for clubs like Spurs and with plenty of Premier League experience, Onomah may think that a Championship relegation battle is below him, but after a season without playing football, a move to Hillsborough could reignite his career and put him in the shop window ahead of the summer.

Jürgen Locadia

Dutch international striker Jürgen Locadia has been a free agent since the turn of the year after leaving Chinese Super League club Cangzhou Mighty Lions.

The 30-year-old had a spell at Brighton between 2018 and 2022, but has enjoyed a slightly nomadic career since then.

Spells in the MLS with FC Cincinatti, Vfl Bochum and Iranian side Persepolis FC have been sandwiched between his time with Brighton and his move to China, and Locadia appears keen to try new leagues and play football in different places.

Whilst he's already experienced English football, he has never played in the Championship, and he may feel like he has unfinished business in this country after his time at the Seagulls where he scored just six times in 46 games.

It would be an ambitious move for the Owls, but Danny Röhl is an ambitious young manager and the prospect of firing the club to Championship safety could be one that appeals to Locadia.

Connor Wickham

A familiar face to Wednesday supporters, Connor Wickham has been a free agent since his short-term deal with Cardiff City expired in the summer.

The Bluebirds drafted Wickham in as a free agent last season to help them in their relegation battle, and the Owls could do the same this season.

The 30-year-old has had three separate loan spells at Hillsborough, during the 2012/13 season, 2013/14 season and 2019/20 season, playing 30 games in total, scoring 11 goals.

Wickham is a strong, physical presence and is a proven goalscorer at this level. A short-term deal until the end of the season could prove beneficial for both parties.