The 3 Sheffield Wednesday players who surely want to escape Hillsborough this summer | OneFootball

Limited minutes, uncertain futures: three Owls who may seek a summer exit

As Sheffield Wednesday look ahead to another summer of transition, several players will be contemplating their futures at Hillsborough.

Whether due to lack of game time, contract situations, or simply a desire for a fresh start, here are three players who are likely considering an exit come June.

Charlie McNeill

Charlie McNeill arrived at Hillsborough with a strong pedigree, having come through Manchester United’s academy.

The young forward showcased his potential early on, scoring a brace in the Owls' EFL Cup tie against Hull City. However, his league minutes have been extremely limited, with Danny Röhl opting for more experienced players ahead of him.

McNeill has drawn interest from League One and Scottish Premiership clubs, but the manager has recently insisted that the young striker is a "long-term project."

While Röhl sees him as a future asset, the lack of immediate opportunities will be frustrating for a player at a key stage in his development. With no clear pathway to regular first-team football, a loan move could be on the cards to give him the game time he needs.

McNeill signed a three-year deal in July 2024, joining on a free transfer despite interest from clubs across Italy and the United States: Lazio, Torino, LA Galaxy, and Toronto.

With limited opportunities so far, he may already be questioning whether Hillsborough was the right destination. If he does leave, a loan move seems the most plausible scenario rather than a permanent transfer.

Jamal Lowe

Jamal Lowe made a bright start to life at Wednesday but has since found himself slipping down the pecking order.

With Michael Smith and Callum Paterson recently preferred up top, and Ike Ugbo’s struggles not opening the door for him, the Jamaica international has become a peripheral figure.

Despite making 23 appearances, he has only registered three goals and two assists, accumulating just 913 minutes on the pitch.

His situation has worsened in the latter half of the season, featuring for just 25 minutes across the last six games. For a player of his experience and ability, this lack of involvement has become a major concern, especially considering more productive spells at Swansea and Queens Park Rangers. If a loan or permanent move arises this summer, Lowe will likely take the opportunity.

While the length of his contract has not been publicly disclosed, it is not believed that he will be a free agent this summer. That said, with his playing time dwindling, a loan move or an exit to a Championship or League One side seems probable.

Marvin Johnson

Marvin Johnson has been a steady servant for the Owls since his arrival in 2021, but it’s clear that Röhl has been looking to upgrade his position at left-back.

Injuries elsewhere have forced Johnson into more game time than he might otherwise have had, with Max Lowe shifting to centre-back due to a lack of available options. The January addition of Ryo Hatsuse further signals the club’s intent to evolve beyond Johnson in that left-sided role.

While Johnson played a key role in Wednesday’s promotion from League One, his performances in the Championship have been inconsistent. Recent displays suggest he has struggled with the step up to the top half of the table, and with his contract expiring in June, it may be time for both player and club to part ways.

Given his diminished impact and Röhl’s preference for alternatives, an exit appears inevitable.