Sheffield Wednesday closing in on new ex-Millwall player transfer | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday are close to adding Billy Mitchell to their midfield ranks this summer

Sheffield Wednesday have been busy in the early stages of the ongoing summer transfer window as they look to rebuild a squad ready for their League One return.

Already, eight players have arrived at Hillsborough, including a returning Barry Bannan, to help bolster Henrik Pedersen's squad after it was decimated over the last 12 months due to the neglect of past ownership and the subsequent administration.

However, the most active side in the EFL when it comes to transfers isn't even halfway done. There are expected to be around 20 new faces at Sheffield Wednesday by the time the window closes on September 1, meaning the higher-ups at Hillsborough still face some tireless nights getting deals over the line.

It's been a relatively quiet week on that front at the South Yorkshire side, though, with no one new announced since last Saturday. That may be set to change soon, and Bannan may not be the only midfielder making the switch from Millwall this summer.

Sheffield Wednesday edging closer to Billy Mitchell signing

Action images

According to the Sheffield Star, Sheffield Wednesday are getting closer to signing recently departed Millwall midfielder Billy Mitchell.

The 25-year-old became a free agent at the end of last month, bringing an end to an 11-year association with his boyhood club, where he made 196 appearances in all competitions and 184 in the Championship.

Millwall's retained list back in mid-May outlined that Mitchell was in discussion over a new deal at the Den, but with Jenson Metcalfe added in the engine room to complement the likes of Casper De Norre and Luke Cundle, the likelihood of competitive minutes would have been slim.

Mitchell was left on the bench in both of Millwall's play-off semi-final legs against Hull City. During the regular season, he started 24 times for Alex Neil's side, which underwent a slight injury crisis in the middle throughout the campaign, impacting the 25-year-old at times, too.

The Star states that Championship outfit Watford have expressed an interest in bringing Mitchell to Vicarage Road, as have sides in the Scottish Premiership. But the Owls are hopeful of progressing talks and landing the midfielder ahead of them.

Mitchell would provide much-needed midfield reinforcement and strength in depth, with former Millwall teammate Bannan and former Motherwell man Callum Slattery already through the door this summer.

How Sheffield Wednesday and Millwall fans have reacted to Billy Mitchell links

Action Images

Sheffield Wednesday fans are mostly positive online about the reports linking them with Mitchell. There are some grumbles about a patchy injury record, but the general consensus is that the 25-year-old will be a big signing for them in League One.

In response to the Star's Alex Miller reporting the story on X, one fan said, "Proper signing this, does the running, got a bit of quality with a pass. Should tear it up at our level. Buzzing with that, me."

Another said, "Played 30 games last season, 2,161 minutes, so a lot of Championship football. Good calibre of player, especially for League 1, and we need that defensive midfielder too," while one added, "This is just proof we ain’t aiming for the playoffs; Storchy is going for the title. What a player."

Millwall fans have also had their say on the reports, as the belief among the fanbase was that he'd turned down some contract offers in recent weeks. Some were rather frustrated that he's possibly rejected them for a League One move, while others spoke plainly about how they feel their former midfielder is too good for the third tier.

"He’s way too good for that league. Shame he can’t stay fit," one Millwall fan said. "Very good player for League One. Has injury issues, but he’s a solid defensive midfielder that gives 110%," another added.

With Mitchell not playing below Championship level in his career, plus having campaigns before the last couple where he was regularly making 30+ appearances, if Wednesday can keep him fit, the 25-year-old could well be one of the better players in his position in the third tier.

If they can get the deal done, it would be another big sign of intent from the Arise ownership ahead of the new season.