16 free agent options available to Sheffield Wednesday after Andre Gray and Steven Fletcher news

Alex Miller
·5-min read
A toure de force just about any time he has strapped his boots up to play against Wednesday, Ghana international Ayew is no spring chicken at 33 but in terms of offering a bit of x-factor, the Owls could do a lot worse. Reportedly has offers from Saudi Arabia, the MLS and Turkey.
A toure de force just about any time he has strapped his boots up to play against Wednesday, Ghana international Ayew is no spring chicken at 33 but in terms of offering a bit of x-factor, the Owls could do a lot worse. Reportedly has offers from Saudi Arabia, the MLS and Turkey.

That’s according to their manager Xisco, who speaking after the closure of the transfer window last weekend made clear he would like to add reinforcements at that end of the pitch.

The Star understands Wednesday were left frustrated by Jamal Lowe’s decision to join Swansea City.

But with the window closed and their EFL registration list submitted with one place left open, one free agent could still be signed.

It’s confused one or two that he doesn’t have a club yet. Also a Ghana international, he’s a good age at 27 and played a big part in the Brentford team that did so well at Championship level. Operates more as a winger than a striker but can deliver something tricky.
It’s confused one or two that he doesn’t have a club yet. Also a Ghana international, he’s a good age at 27 and played a big part in the Brentford team that did so well at Championship level. Operates more as a winger than a striker but can deliver something tricky.

Many Wednesdayites clamoured towards the name Andre Gray, with the forward having worked with Xisco before and available after his deal with Aris was terminated earlier this summer.

But the former Burnley and Watford man has since signed for Saudi club Al-Riyadh - it was not known whether he ever represented a realistic option for the Owls.

Steven Fletcher - never really attributed to a nostalgic Hillsborough reunion - has since signed for League Two Hollywood club Wrexham.

Here are 16 attacking free agent options still available to Wednesday.

Not long ago the source of transfer interest from a handful of Championship clubs, Republic of Ireland international Curtis is on the comeback trail from injury and is still training with Portsmouth despite his free agent status. Has turned down reduced terms at Fratton Park, with Blackburn reportedly interested in taking him on.
Not long ago the source of transfer interest from a handful of Championship clubs, Republic of Ireland international Curtis is on the comeback trail from injury and is still training with Portsmouth despite his free agent status. Has turned down reduced terms at Fratton Park, with Blackburn reportedly interested in taking him on.
His time in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli cut short, Grabban has enjoyed success against Wednesday in years gone by. He’s no stranger to South Yorkshire having played at Rotherham United previously and at 35 would represent a short-term option.
His time in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli cut short, Grabban has enjoyed success against Wednesday in years gone by. He’s no stranger to South Yorkshire having played at Rotherham United previously and at 35 would represent a short-term option.
A non-starter, perhaps, given he hasn’t played a game of football since 2021 through injury. A bright performer on his day, he’s no veteran aged 31 and has talent, but would represent a monumental risk.
A non-starter, perhaps, given he hasn’t played a game of football since 2021 through injury. A bright performer on his day, he’s no veteran aged 31 and has talent, but would represent a monumental risk.
If x-factor is what Wednesday are looking for, they could certainly grab some in trickster Bolasie. French-born with 50 caps for DR Congo, he’s a free agent having left Turkish side Çaykur Rizespor. He’s 34 now and hasn’t played in England since 2021.
If x-factor is what Wednesday are looking for, they could certainly grab some in trickster Bolasie. French-born with 50 caps for DR Congo, he’s a free agent having left Turkish side Çaykur Rizespor. He’s 34 now and hasn’t played in England since 2021.
A huge talent, 27-year-old Ibe has sadly barely kicked a ball in the last few years due in part to a well-publicised battle with depression. Got back into football in Turkey with Adanaspor in January 2022 but left without making an appearance.
A huge talent, 27-year-old Ibe has sadly barely kicked a ball in the last few years due in part to a well-publicised battle with depression. Got back into football in Turkey with Adanaspor in January 2022 but left without making an appearance.
Hasn’t played in England since 2019 having moved to Greece, first with AEK Athens and then PAOK, the Portugal international had good success at Norwich and Forest. Still only 31 but is in the process of recovery from an ACL issue.
Hasn’t played in England since 2019 having moved to Greece, first with AEK Athens and then PAOK, the Portugal international had good success at Norwich and Forest. Still only 31 but is in the process of recovery from an ACL issue.
He’s no striker, but on his day has shown he can offer a gal threat and creativity from out wide in particular. Aged 35 and a free agent after leaving Hearts, he’s got plenty of Championship experience.
He’s no striker, but on his day has shown he can offer a gal threat and creativity from out wide in particular. Aged 35 and a free agent after leaving Hearts, he’s got plenty of Championship experience.
Another player with huge second tier experience is Hoilett, who is 33 and available after leaving Reading in the summer. Played in the World Cup with Canada only last year. Reportedly of interest to Huddersfield Town.
Another player with huge second tier experience is Hoilett, who is 33 and available after leaving Reading in the summer. Played in the World Cup with Canada only last year. Reportedly of interest to Huddersfield Town.
Belgian-born, Musonda is 27 and is looking to get his career back on track after a horror run of luck with injuries. A hotly-tipped wonderkid during his time with Chelsea, he has been released by Levante.
Belgian-born, Musonda is 27 and is looking to get his career back on track after a horror run of luck with injuries. A hotly-tipped wonderkid during his time with Chelsea, he has been released by Levante.
Likely an unrealistic shout given reports of Premier League interest, former Aston Villa man Anwar El Ghazi cancelled his PSV contract by mutual decision this summer despite having scored eight league goals for them last season.
Likely an unrealistic shout given reports of Premier League interest, former Aston Villa man Anwar El Ghazi cancelled his PSV contract by mutual decision this summer despite having scored eight league goals for them last season.
Linked with Wednesday from time to time over the past few years, Taylor is a proven Championship striker having done the business for Charlton and Forest in recent years. A former Blade, he’s younger than many think at 33 and is available having been released by Forest this summer.
Linked with Wednesday from time to time over the past few years, Taylor is a proven Championship striker having done the business for Charlton and Forest in recent years. A former Blade, he’s younger than many think at 33 and is available having been released by Forest this summer.
Another former Levante man, Rochina serves as a blast from the past having playe for Blackburn between 2011 and 2014. Capable of playing as a winger or an attacker, he’s 32 and left Grenada in the summer.
Another former Levante man, Rochina serves as a blast from the past having playe for Blackburn between 2011 and 2014. Capable of playing as a winger or an attacker, he’s 32 and left Grenada in the summer.
Wouldn’t bring the dynamism to Wednesday’s forward options that some would say is a priority, but has a track record. Struggled at Sunderland but did well at Hull and has 115 international caps for the USA.
Wouldn’t bring the dynamism to Wednesday’s forward options that some would say is a priority, but has a track record. Struggled at Sunderland but did well at Hull and has 115 international caps for the USA.
A bit-part in the latter two seasons of his time with Bournemouth, Stanislas has plenty of Championship experience and can play across the front three. Hit double figures in the 2019/20 season but is now 33.
A bit-part in the latter two seasons of his time with Bournemouth, Stanislas has plenty of Championship experience and can play across the front three. Hit double figures in the 2019/20 season but is now 33.
Republic of Ireland's midfielder Ronan Curtis (R) takes on England's defender Harry Maguire (L) during the international friendly football match between England and Republic of Ireland at Wembley stadium in north London on November 12, 2020. (Photo by Nick Potts / POOL / AFP) / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo by NICK POTTS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Republic of Ireland's midfielder Ronan Curtis (R) takes on England's defender Harry Maguire (L) during the international friendly football match between England and Republic of Ireland at Wembley stadium in north London on November 12, 2020. (Photo by Nick Potts / POOL / AFP) / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo by NICK POTTS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)