Danny Rohl first acknowledged he wanted to sign a new centre back more than two weeks ago.
Di’Shon Bernard was later signed to a new contract by Sheffield Wednesday, but it’s likely that the head coach was aware of this prior to him making his “significant” admission.
“I think if you look at the positions we have signed in, I am very happy with the full-back positions; it’s a good challenge,” Rohl had previously stated. In addition to the striker position, we have made some progress on the wings. Overall, we want to address the centre backs as well as the midfield because we know it is critical to address this area. After that, we can proceed.
As his senior options, the Owls currently have Bernard, Liam Palmer, Michael Ihiekwe, Bambo Diaby, Akin Famewo, and Dominic Iorfa; however, there are doubts about each player’s readiness to compete in the top half of the Championship.
Rohl will desire a blend of inexperience and expertise in his backline, while he will need plenty of talented options that can compete if he opts to play three centre-backs or if a couple suffer injuries.
Wednesday has not yet added a new defender, so we’ve looked at three potential signings for the position.
Three centre-backs Sheffield Wednesday could sign
Michal Helik
After Huddersfield Town was relegated, Helik was expected to depart despite being one of the best players in an otherwise disappointing season.
The 28-year-old performed admirably at both ends of the pitch in addition to scoring nine goals from defence.
Helik blocked 42 shots, made the second-most clearances (224), and the fourth-most interceptions (75) in the league.
Despite having a year remaining on his contract, the Polish defender has surprisingly not left Huddersfield. However, he could be persuaded to leave if a bid is made.
John Egan
Egan is undoubtedly a contentious choice, but with Max Lowe joining the team, anything is possible.
The 31-year-old played for Sheffield United for six years, during which time he was regarded as a vital “leader” as the team won two promotions. However, after the team advanced to the Premier League, he was benched.
Egan is currently searching for a new club after being released at the end of the season.
Even though it seems highly unlikely, Lowe should think about and work on himself if he decides to move to Hillsborough.
Lewis Gibson
After spending the majority of his career on loan, Gibson finally found a place to call home when he joined Plymouth Argyle from Everton last summer.
The 24-year-old was only able to make five league appearances due to injuries during his time on loan at Wednesday in 2021.
Despite this, Gibson has performed considerably better for Plymouth, making 41 appearances, blocking the third-most shots (53), and recording the eighth-most clearances (191) in the Championship.
After the Pilgrims avoided relegation, it might be challenging to pass, but it might give Rohl additional young options at centre back.
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