Sheffield Wednesday should snap up Sheffield United summer target to solve major Danny Rohl issue: View | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday should consider a move for free agent Paul Dummett amid their current defensive problems.

It has been a disappointing start to the season for Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship and further shrewd additions like Paul Dummett in the free agent market could be just what the Owls need to get on track.

Wednesday only narrowly secured survival in the second tier last term, but the remarkable turnaround under Danny Rohl offered hope that the club could climb the table this season.

That positivity increased when Rohl signed a new long-term contract in May, and it was a busy summer for the Owls with 11 new signings arriving at Hillsborough during the transfer window, including the likes of James Beadle, Yan Valery, Max Lowe, Shea Charles, Jamal Lowe and Ike Ugbo.

Wednesday got their season off to the perfect start with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Plymouth Argyle on the opening weekend, but after being held to a 1-1 draw by Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, they are now without a victory in their last four league games.

The Owls currently sit 20th in the table, which is the position they finished in last season, and they are back in action when they make the trip to face Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Saturday.

Danny Rohl makes Sheffield Wednesday free agent admission

The consensus among many Wednesday supporters was that the club had a strong summer transfer window, but the poor early season form has highlighted weaknesses in the squad.

Rohl revealed last week that the Owls have held talks with some free agents about a potential move to Hillsborough, but he admitted that there are challenges to signing players after the closure of the window.

"We look in this market, but for example you look at some players that could maybe be interesting and helpful for one season, but the demanding from the agents or the players is we don't do short term, it must be long term. Then you sign a player now for the long term project where you think it makes sense to invest, if you say no because a player wants the long-term and security a little bit, then you don't come to an agreement," Rohl told The Star.

It is unknown which players Rohl has held discussions with or which positions in his squad he is looking to strengthen, but having conceded 10 goals in the last four league games, it seems likely that defence is one area he may be keen to bolster, and former Newcastle United man Paul Dummett could be a potential option.

Sheffield Wednesday should consider Paul Dummett move

Aside from loan spells at Gateshead and St Mirren, Dummett had spent his entire career at Newcastle, but he was released at the end of his contract this summer.

Dummett made his debut for the Magpies in January 2013, and he went on to score four goals in 213 appearances for the club, but his game time became increasingly limited after the arrival of Eddie Howe in November 2021, so it was no surprise to see him depart.

The 32-year-old was linked with Leeds United and Ipswich Town in the January transfer window, and Sheffield United were said to be keen on him this summer after his exit from St James' Park, but a move did not materialise and he remains a free agent.

That could open the door for Wednesday to make a move for Dummett, and there is no doubt he could be a useful addition to a defence that has struggled so far this season.

The Owls have conceded six goals from set pieces already this season, and their defensive vulnerabilities were clear for all to see in the draw against QPR on Saturday as they missed multiple opportunities to clear the ball during a frantic goalmouth scramble, allowing Alfie Lloyd to score a 96th-minute equaliser for the R's.

A defender like Dummett with vast Premier League experience would surely help to bring some leadership and organisation to an uncertain back line, and with Dominic Iorfa, Di'Shon Bernard, Michael Ihiekwe and Akin Famewo all having been injured or doubtful at some stage in the early weeks of the campaign, the extra depth could be crucial.

As well as his ability to play at centre-back, Dummett is equally capable of playing at left-back, and given Max Lowe's poor injury record in recent years, it is likely cover will be needed in that position over the course of the season.

Dummett has made just 12 senior appearances over the last three seasons, so he may need time to get up to full match sharpness, but he performed well whenever called upon for Newcastle last term, and that should ease some of those concerns.

The fact that teams with promotion ambitions such as Leeds, Ipswich and Sheffield United have reportedly been interested in Dummett this year is also a big endorsement of the defender's quality, and while it would be a gamble for the Owls, he could prove to be a shrewd addition.