Michael Smith to be sold? Sheffield Wednesday must sort these 4 issues before August 30th | OneFootball

We looked at four big transfer dilemmas facing Sheffield Wednesday this summer.

It is a big summer for Sheffield Wednesday after they secured survival in the Championship.

The Owls looked destined to make an immediate return to League One after a disastrous start to the season under Xisco Munoz, but they achieved safety after a remarkable turnaround under Danny Rohl as they finished 20th in the table.

There had been fears among Wednesday supporters that the club could lose Rohl, but the German signed a new long-term contract at Hillsborough last month, and it is set to be a busy summer as he looks to rebuild his squad.

Loanees James Beadle, Kristian Pedersen, Jeff Hendrick, Momo Diaby, Ian Poveda, Ike Ugbo and Ashley Fletcher have returned to their parent clubs, while Ciaran Brennan, Reece James, George Byers, Tyreeq Bakinson, Juan Delgado and Lee Gregory have been released at the end of their contracts.

Liam Palmer and Barry Bannan have both signed new deals with the Owls, but Will Vaulks turned down the club's contract offer to join newly-promoted Oxford United, and Cameron Dawson and Josh Windass have also reportedly decided against signing extensions.

There are likely to be plenty of incomings and outgoings in South Yorkshire this summer, and we looked at four transfer dilemmas facing the Owls before the closure of the window.

Pierce Charles

Goalkeeper Charles is one of Wednesday's brightest young prospects, and he made his first team breakthrough this season.

Charles made his debut for the Owls in the 1-1 draw against Coventry City in the FA Cup in January before starting again in the replay the following month, and he did not look out of place on either occasion.

The 18-year-old is a player with huge potential, underlined by his recent call-up to the Northern Ireland senior squad, and he signed a new contract at Hillsborough last month.

Rohl revealed in April that he is a big fan of Charles, telling The Star: "Pierce for me is a fantastic goalkeeper. He has a lot of good things that I like, he can keep the ball in possession, he’s good in open play, he’s good building up from the back. He’s a good goalkeeper and I like him."

Charles will be hoping to receive more senior minutes next term, but the Owls have signed Ben Hamer from Watford, and they are also set to bring James Beadle back to the club from Brighton & Hove Albion after his successful loan spell last season, so he could find himself as third choice once again.

Rohl must decide whether to keep Charles at the club or send him out on loan next season to play regular football, and while a temporary spell away from the club would be beneficial for his development, Wednesday could be vulnerable to losing him if he impresses elsewhere.

Mallik Wilks

Wilks joined the Owls from Hull City in August 2022, but he endured an injury-disrupted first season at the club as he scored two goals and provided five assists in 24 appearances in all competitions.

The winger continued to be plagued by injury this season, and after he scored just one goal in 18 appearances in all competitions, he is facing an uncertain future.

Wilks failed to impress when given a chance by Rohl, and with Wednesday likely to bring in reinforcements in the wide areas this summer, he could be pushed further down the pecking order.

According to Football Insider, League One trio Charlton Athletic, Reading and Stockport County are "exploring the possibility of securing a loan or permanent deal" for Wilks, and his exit from Hillsborough would be the right move for all parties.

The Owls would surely be willing to allow Wilks to depart this summer, and they must decide whether to sanction a loan deal or demand a transfer fee for the 25-year-old.

Ike Ugbo

Striker Ugbo joined Wednesday on loan from Troyes in January, and he played a crucial role in the club's survival.

Ugbo scored seven goals and provided one assist in 19 appearances for the Owls, and it is fair to say that without his contribution, they would no longer be a Championship club.

Wednesday are keen to bring Ugbo back to the club this summer, but they reportedly face competition for his signature, and given Chansiri's reluctance to pay transfer fees, it may be tough for them to compete financially with his other suitors.

Ugbo will not be part of the Canada squad for this summer's Copa America, which is a boost for the Owls, and his valuation could be reduced after his parent club Troyes were relegated to the French third tier.

Wednesday desperately need to strengthen in the forward areas this summer, and while securing Ugbo's return will be their priority, a lengthy pursuit of the 25-year-old could see the Owls miss out on other striker targets.

Michael Smith

Striker Smith arrived at Hillsborough from Rotherham United in June 2022, and he scored 20 goals and registered eight assists in 49 games in all competitions to help Wednesday to promotion from League One in his first season at the club.

However, Smith's game time became limited in the Championship under both Munoz and Rohl, and he was linked with a move away from the club in the January transfer window.

According to BBC Derby Sport, Derby County made a loan offer for Smith in January, including a "significant wage contribution", but Wednesday were said to be "demanding an excessive fee in return".

Smith remained in South Yorkshire, and while he was not a regular starter, he did play an important role in the Owls' survival, but his total of just four goals in 34 games raises doubts over his long-term future.

It seems unlikely the 32-year-old will receive many minutes next season, particularly if Wednesday bring in a new striker, and with just one year remaining on his contract, the club must decide whether to cash in on him this summer.