SWFC: Exciting Sheffield Wednesday battle highlights transfer need elsewhere
· Alex Miller · 2026-08-14T15:03:45+00:00 · nguồn gốc
Exciting Sheffield Wednesday battle involving Leeds United man highlights transfer need elsewhere
Sheffield Wednesday’s transfer effort continues.
A ding-dong early battle for squad ascendency on the left side of the attack at Sheffield Wednesday can only be a good thing - but has further highlighted the need for balance as additions are sought on the right.
Louie Barry was brought to the club as something of a marquee signing this summer when the former Barcelona youth man joined on from Aston Villa. He was unable to make the starting line-up in last weekend’s Carabao Cup win over Bolton Wanderers but made an impact from the bench when he emerged from the 63rd minute.
In his favoured left-wing spot started Leeds United loanee youngster Harry Gray, who enjoyed some bright moments in possession and was involved in some of the Owls better attacks. The Owls travel to Leyton Orient to kick off their League One campaign and it will be interesting to see who takes the place - whether things are altered up-top to see them both feature.
Put to him that the pair seem to have kicked off a promising early battle for minutes building on the left hand side even this early in proceedings, Owls boss Henrik Pedersen said: “I see exactly the same. I think Barry can be a strong, strong player for us. Barry had some problems with his heel so he has not trained so much. This week it has been better. I'm sure that we will see Barry soon back in the starting eleven.
“And Harry, yes, I think he played a really good game. And of course it's good to have two players in one position who are so good, but Harry can also play central. He can maybe also play on the right side. He can maybe also play the nine. So let's see if those two guys can also play together at the same time.”
The embarrassment of riches on the left does further highlight the need for balance in the Wednesday squad, with the right-wing position a keen transfer priority heading towards the final fortnight of a busy window. Along with goal-getting centre-forwards and a left-back, efforts are ongoing to line-up additions in what is expected to be a manic window closure.
Burundi international debutant Jordi Liongola impressed in the Bolton clash but is seen more as a figure for the right-back position in the more medium-term. Aston Villa winger Tommi O’Reilly was a loan option but having got close to agreeing a deal with Wednesday is not expected to sign after talks. Further loan options are being discussed.
“That is of course why we are searching for players there also,” Pedersen said with a grin when asked about the requirement for balance on both wings. “A player to the right side, Jordi, I think he played a really strong game against Bolton. But we also know with all players who are coming from other European countries that England is a special place to play football with so many games.
“Many new players in England need a little bit of time to come into this culture. But I'm really, really happy for how Jordi has performed and I can see Jordi be a strong front player for us. But of course we need more in this side.”