Sheffield United & Sheffield Wednesday transfer deadline recap: Owls grab two late on and Blades secure return

Jeff Hendrick, James McAtee and John Buckley
Jeff Hendrick, James McAtee and John Buckley

Our live blog is here to recap everything that happened on deadline day for the Owls and the Blades with both making additions to their squads

That’s it for deadline day

United got sorted out early in the day but not early enough for James McAtee to play tomorrow against Everton and bar the departure on loan of Louie Marsh that was all the business at Bramall Lane.

Wednesday left it very late but they finally got sorted just before the deadline with Jeff Hendrick and John Buckley arriving to bolster the midfield.

John Buckley has joined Sheffield Wednesday.
John Buckley has joined Sheffield Wednesday.

Now, with not a league point between either side, the focus is all on the pitch from now on... until January anyway

And another for Wednesday

Sheffield Wednesday have completed the signing of Blackburn Rovers midfielder, John Buckley, on a season-long loan.

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Wednesday finally get one done

It’s been a long day covering Sheffield Wednesday, but they’ve finally announced a deadline day signing with Jeff Hendrick coming on board from Newcastle United.

ROYAL DUTY: Jeff Hendrick was a regular for Reading in last season's Championship (Photo: Eddie Keogh)
ROYAL DUTY: Jeff Hendrick was a regular for Reading in last season's Championship (Photo: Eddie Keogh)

The Star reported earlier this week that the Owls had submitted an offer to take both Hendrick and his teammate, Isaac Hayden, on loan for the 2023/24 season, and though at one point it looked like it was the latter who was closest to joining it has turned out that Hendrick was the one who completed a move.

MORE HERE from Joe Crann

The transfer window has closed

An expected departure at United

As we reported earlier (and earlier in the week) Louie Marsh has moved on loan, with the youngster making the short journey to Doncaster Rovers. However, aside from that news, he’s also signed a three-year-deal with the Blades.

MORE HERE from Danny Hall

Sheffield, England, 30th August 2023. Louie Marsh of Sheffield United   during the Carabao Cup match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield. Picture credit should read: Simon Bellis / Sportimage
Sheffield, England, 30th August 2023. Louie Marsh of Sheffield United during the Carabao Cup match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield. Picture credit should read: Simon Bellis / Sportimage

Buckley deal close

Sheffield Wednesday are closing in on the loan signing of 23-year-old Blackburn Rovers midfielder John Buckley after a remarkable deadline day turnaround, The Star can exclusively reveal.

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There could be one on his way from Hillsborough

Sheffield Wednesday are in discussions over a possible deal that would see Marvin Johnson leave the club on loan.

OUT OF FAVOUR: Marvin Johnson of Sheffield Wednesday (Photo: Richard Heathcote)
OUT OF FAVOUR: Marvin Johnson of Sheffield Wednesday (Photo: Richard Heathcote)

MORE HERE from Joe Crann and Alex Miller

Buckley back on?

The Star revealed earlier today that Championship rivals Swansea City had launched a bid in the region of £3m to take Buckley on a permanent deal and that the midfield technician was expected to make the move, leaving Wednesday’s interest on life support. However there’s been a twist.

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United got what they wanted today

Paul Heckingbottom is hoping to avoid any late transfer drama ahead of tonight’s 11pm deadline after insisting everyone at Sheffield United “is on the same page” when it comes to player sales. United have made 10 summer signings, with James McAtee’s loan arrival the latest and probably last.

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: John Buckley of Blackburn Rovers in action  during the Sky Bet Championship match between West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers at The Hawthorns on February 14, 2022 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: John Buckley of Blackburn Rovers in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers at The Hawthorns on February 14, 2022 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

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No move for Blades striker

Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom insists that striker Will Osula “won’t be going anywhere” ahead of tonight’s 11pm transfer deadline despite Championship interest

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Owls looking at former Leeds and Barnsley man

A further possible Sheffield Wednesday transfer target has emerged in the form of a former Leeds United and Barnsley captain, The Star understands.

The Owls have been linked with a handful of midfielders in the back end of the window, which closes at 11pm this evening.

MORE HERE from Alex Miller

Transfer blow for Wednesday

Sheffield Wednesday’s interest in Blacburn Rovers midfielder John Buckley looks set to end after one of their Championship rivals launched a big-money bid to take him on a permanent deal, The Star understands.

MORE HERE from Alex Miller and Joe Crann

McAtee talks about his move back to United

Blades kid could be on the move

We reported yesterday that highly-rated Blades youngster Louie Marsh would be going out on loan, with Stuart McCall confirming that there had been League Two interest in the attacking midfielder. Well, BBC Radio Sheffield are reporting that Doncaster Rovers are the team he’s heading to

Return of the Mac

James McAtee has spoken of his “emotional connection” with Sheffield United after his second loan spell with the Blades was confirmed this afternoon. The Manchester City starlet helped United into the Premier League last season and has returned as their 10th summer signing.

MORE HERE from Danny Hall

Positivity around Owls’ John Buckley move

Blackburn Rovers are open to allowing Sheffield Wednesday-fancied John Buckley out on loan, The Star understands, raising hopes that a deal could be done before the transfer deadline passes this evening.

MORE HERE from Alex Miller

UPDATE: James McAtee

Incomings, outgoings and rumours galore - What to expect from Sheffield Wednesday’s transfer deadline day

The Owls haven’t been known for a flurry of business in the hours prior to the window closing in recent years, however there is plenty in the works today as Xisco looks to finalise his squad for what is set to be a difficult campaign in the Championship.

Here’s what Owls fans can expect today, according to our Wednesday writer Joe Crann.

TESTING START: Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom Picture: Andrew Yates/Sportimage
TESTING START: Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom Picture: Andrew Yates/Sportimage
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: William Osula of Sheffield United and Ruben Dias of Manchester City battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Manchester City at Bramall Lane on August 27, 2023 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: William Osula of Sheffield United and Ruben Dias of Manchester City battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Manchester City at Bramall Lane on August 27, 2023 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
COVENTRY, ENGLAND - MAY 14: Viktor Gyokeres of Coventry City is challenged by Alex Mowatt of Middlesbrough during the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg match between Coventry City and Middlesbrough at The Coventry Building Society Arena on May 14, 2023 in Coventry, England. (Photo by Morgan Harlow/Getty Images)
COVENTRY, ENGLAND - MAY 14: Viktor Gyokeres of Coventry City is challenged by Alex Mowatt of Middlesbrough during the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg match between Coventry City and Middlesbrough at The Coventry Building Society Arena on May 14, 2023 in Coventry, England. (Photo by Morgan Harlow/Getty Images)
Louis Marsh
Louis Marsh
James McAtee is back at Sheffield United
James McAtee is back at Sheffield United
BLACKBURN, ENGLAND - MARCH 08: John Buckley of Blackburn Rovers battles for possession with Tyler Burey of Millwall during the Sky Bet Championship match between Blackburn Rovers and Millwall at Ewood Park on March 08, 2022 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
BLACKBURN, ENGLAND - MARCH 08: John Buckley of Blackburn Rovers battles for possession with Tyler Burey of Millwall during the Sky Bet Championship match between Blackburn Rovers and Millwall at Ewood Park on March 08, 2022 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
John Buckley of Blackburn Rovers has been linked with Wednesday
John Buckley of Blackburn Rovers has been linked with Wednesday