Sheffield Wednesday supporters should love Max Lowe comments that may anger Sheffield United - View | OneFootball

Defender Max Lowe made the controversial move from Sheffield United to Sheffield Wednesday this summer.

Highlights

It has been a busy 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 last season under Xisco Munoz, but they achieved safety following a remarkable turnaround under Danny Rohl as they finished 20th in the table.

Wednesday received a huge boost as Rohl signed a new long-term contract at the club in May, and the German has wasted no time in getting to work on rebuilding his squad.

The Owls have brought in nine new signings so far this summer, with James Beadle, Ben Hamer, Yan Valery, Max Lowe, Svante Ingelsson, Nathaniel Chalobah, Olaf Kobacki, Jamal Lowe and Charlie McNeill arriving at Hillsborough.

Liam Palmer, Dominic Iorfa, Di'Shon Bernard, Barry Bannan and Josh Windass have all signed new deals, but Cameron Dawson and Will Vaulks have departed after rejecting the offer of an extension, while Ciaran Brennan, Reece James, George Byers, Tyreeq Bakinson, Juan Delgado and Lee Gregory have been released.

One of the most eye-catching deals of Wednesday's summer transfer window was the signing of Max Lowe, who made a surprise move to the club after his release by Sheffield United.

Max Lowe explains Sheffield Wednesday move

Lowe became the first senior player in 74 years to join the Owls from their Steel City neighbours, but he is no stranger to a controversial move, having previously represented both Derby County and their East Midlands rivals, Nottingham Forest.

The defender revealed that, in addition to conversations with Rohl, Palmer and Bannan, Wednesday's passionate support was a big factor in his decision to make the switch to Hillsborough.

"I’m not going to lie, at first I knew it would make some noise," Lowe told The Star.

"But once I’d spoken to the senior lads and especially the gaffer, it made my decision really easy. It wasn’t one I felt like I couldn’t handle and that’s why I’m here. It’s no secret how big the rivalry is, but the manager made clear what he expects from me, I spoke to Baz (Bannan) and Liam (Palmer) and I knew it was something I could handle.

"This is something I want to be a part of more than anything. I want to play at Hillsborough, I’ve seen the atmosphere created there and it’s something I want to be a part of."

Wednesday take on United in the first meeting between the two sides in five years at Bramall Lane on Sunday 10th November, and when asked about the fixture, Lowe showed that his loyalties are firmly with his new club, stating: "It should be a good one. Hopefully we beat them."

Lowe's departure from Bramall Lane got a mixed reception, with some Blades supporters disappointed to see him leave, while others believed it was the right decision due to his recent injury problems. What will be infuriating - whether petty or not - is how he is taking any backlash in his stride with such confident comments.

The 27-year-old spent much of last season on the sidelines as United were relegated from the Premier League, but he did make 53 appearances for the club during his four-year spell at Bramall Lane, and he was part of the squad that won promotion to the top flight in the 2022-23 campaign.

Given his history with their bitter rivals, there was a risk that Lowe may not be accepted by Wednesday supporters, but he has received a warm welcome at Hillsborough, with many believing that he is an excellent addition in a position that needed strengthening this summer.

Lowe will no doubt have further boosted his reputation among the Owls fanbase after his recent comments, but his words will not have gone down too well with the Blades, and he could receive a frosty reception when he returns to his former club in November.

It is easy to see why Rohl decided to risk a potential backlash with the signing of Lowe, and given the fact he has won two promotions from the Championship during his career, he could be a crucial player for Wednesday next season as they look to mount a surprise play-off push, providing he can stay fit.

Lowe joining the Owls adds another layer of tension to the long-awaited return of the Steel City derby this season, and with both sides enjoying strong summer transfer windows, the meetings between the two sides should be incredibly competitive.