Transfer Shock: Sheffield Wednesday Set Sights on Former Reading FC Playmaker!

Transfer Shock: Sheffield Wednesday Set Sights on Former Reading FC Playmaker!

The Sheffield Star reports that the midfielder has already trained with the Owls late in the 2023-24 season in preparation for a possible move. Following a terrible start to the season, Wednesday pulled off a miraculous great escape after appointing Danny Rohl as manager to avoid relegation from the Championship last season. With the promise they showed under the German, the Yorkshire club will now try to expand on it in the 2024-25 season.

Sheffield Wednesday appears to be considering prospective targets who can help them do so ahead of the summer transfer window’s official opening in June.

According to the most recent report, Sheffield Wednesday is considering Ejaria as a viable possibility for the upcoming season. The midfielder began his senior career with Liverpool after progressing through Arsenal’s junior ranks. However, he struggled to find playing time and went on loan to Sunderland, Rangers, and Reading before joining the Royals on a permanent basis in the summer of 2020.

Ejaria remained at Reading until December 2023, when his contract was mutually ended after more than a year without playing competitive football.

The club claimed at the time that the decision was based on the 26-year-old’s chronic injury concerns, as well as their own desire to cut costs in light of recent financial struggles. Following that move, it is believed that Ejaria trained with Sheffield Wednesday after the deadline to register free agents for the previous season expired, in preparation for a move the following season. As a result, the Owls are reportedly considering bringing the midfielder to Hillsborough permanently.

They are not the only Championship club that have expressed interest in Ejaria since his departure from Reading. It was also rumoured in January that Plymouth Argyle were interested in a transaction, though no deal was ultimately made.

There is a case to be made that Sheffield Wednesday’s decision this summer was wise. It is unclear whether Barry Bannan and Will Vaulks will sign new contracts with the club, while Tyreeq Bakinson and George Byers have already been dismissed. Jeff Hendrick has also left following his loan spell with Newcastle United. As a result, it appears that the Owls could profit from adding some depth to their central midfield for next season. Ejaria would supply that, as he has already demonstrated that he is one of the most skilled players at this level, as well as bringing division experience.

That might make him a valuable alternative for Sheffield Wednesday in the upcoming season. Admittedly, there may be some concerns about his recent injury history and lack of playing time, but the fact that he is available on a free transfer mitigates the financial risk. With that in mind, this appears to be a deal worth pursuing for Sheffield Wednesday in the coming weeks, but there are the usual caveats associated with a player who hasn’t kicked a ball in anger in almost 18 months.