Sheffield Wednesday are preparing for life in League One after a miserable season that left the club on the brink.
The takeover situation has been the priority for all connected to Hillsborough for some time, and there is confidence that the Storch family will complete a deal for the Owls before the end of the season.
Once that is finalised, it will see the start of a new era for Wednesday, and, even though they will be in League One, there will be a belief that the club can kick-on with a long-term, sustainable plan.
Yet, given the timing of any takeover, it’s fair to say that Wednesday aren’t even heading into the third tier in good shape, with the squad lacking balance, depth and overall quality, whilst a host of players from the current crop are out of contract and facing uncertain futures.
Jamal Lowe set to stay at Sheffield Wednesday after contract triggered
However, there was some good news on that front, as journalist Joe Crann has revealed that an option has been triggered to keep Jamal Lowe at the club for next season.
The attacker was previously under contract until this summer, which obviously cast doubt about his future, but the update explains that he will be part of Henrik Pedersen’s squad for the 2026/27 campaign as his deal now runs for a further year.
Like many of his teammates, Lowe has had a difficult season, scoring just four goals for the Owls, but he is clearly valued around the group, and there will be a hope that he can shine in League One.
The 31-year-old has featured in every game for Wednesday this season, and he is likely to be involved against Stoke City on Good Friday, although he will have travelled back from Mexico after Jamaica were beaten by DR Congo on Tuesday night, meaning they have failed to reach the World Cup.
Sheffield Wednesday are set for major summer overhaul
This may divide opinion among the Sheffield Wednesday support, as Lowe has struggled this season, and some will say the club should be looking for a more prolific attacker going into League One.
However, it’s difficult to judge any Owls’ player this season, as they have been up against it since the very first game.
Simply put, the squad is nowhere near Championship standard, and losing games most weeks is going to have an impact on the group as a collective, especially as they have effectively been relegated for months now.
There is reason for optimism as the Storch family close in on their deal to buy the club, but they won’t be able to wave a magic wand to suddenly make Wednesday certain of promotion next season.
The club is lacking numbers, so it makes a lot of sense that they want to keep Lowe around. He has plenty of experience, he will help younger players, and you would back him to score goals in League One.
So, a lot of work will be going on in the background to ensure Pedersen has a competitive squad by the time the new season starts in August, and Lowe will provide versatility and know-how to what could look like a very different Sheffield Wednesday.
Discussion about this post