5 free agents Sheffield Wednesday should consider amid Dejphon Chansiri transfer ban fear - Plymouth forward features | OneFootball

We looked at five free agents that should be on Sheffield Wednesday's radar as fears increased about a potential transfer ban.

It is fair to say it has been a turbulent few months on and off the pitch for Sheffield Wednesday.

Wednesday emerged as surprise play-off contenders after a strong start to last season, but their promotion push collapsed in the second half of the campaign amid a host of off-field issues, and they eventually finished in 12th place.

Speculation about the future of manager Danny Rohl has been raging since his public fallout with owner Dejphon Chansiri in January, but despite being linked with the likes of Southampton, Leicester City, Fulham, Crystal Palace, RB Leipzig and Werder Bremen, his options for a possible exit appear to be running out, with his £5 million release clause proving to be a stumbling block for many clubs.

If the uncertainty over Rohl's position was not damaging enough, the Owls and Chansiri have both been charged by the EFL for a breach of regulations after failing to pay the wages of players and staff for the month of May on time, and the issue has still not been resolved.

Wednesday narrowly avoided hitting the maximum 30-day permitted limit for the late payment of player salaries when the same problem occured in March, which would have seen them hit with a three-window transfer ban, but they may not be able to escape that punishment this time around.

Should the sanction be imposed, the Owls could be prevented from paying transfer fees for players for up to 18 months, and with that in mind, we looked at five free agents that should be on the club's radar.

Semi Ajayi

With Michael Ihiekwe leaving the club at the end of his contract, Akin Famewo yet to commit to a new deal and Di'Shon Bernard set to miss the start of next season with injury, Wednesday are short of options at centre-back.

Given the issues the Owls are currently facing, many fear that a relegation battle could be on the cards next season, which means that the arrival of an experienced defender may come in useful, and Semi Ajayi would certainly fit that bill.

Ajayi was recently released by West Bromwich Albion after a six-year spell at The Hawthorns during which he made 177 appearances, and while only 15 of those came during an injury-disrupted campaign last season, he was a regular starter for the Baggies when fit.

If he can remain clear of injuries, there is no doubt that Ajayi is an incredibly solid defender at Championship level, which would make him a shrewd addition for Wednesday, although they may face competition for his signature from Reading and Hull City.

Jacob Sorensen

After last season's star man Shea Charles returned to Southampton at the end of his loan spell, central midfield is another position Wednesday will need to strengthen this summer.

Of course, it will be near impossible for the Owls to replace Charles with a player of similar quality, but Jacob Sorensen could represent a decent option after his departure from Norwich City.

Sorensen made 110 appearances for the Canaries during his five-year stint at Carrow Road, during which time he helped them to the Championship title in the 2020-21 season and was part of the squad that achieved a play-off finish in the 2022-23 campaign.

The 27-year-old did come in for some criticism from the Norwich faithful during the latter part of his time at the club, but it is no coincidence that he featured regularly under every manager he played under in Norfolk, and like Charles, he also has the ability to play in defence as well as in midfield.

John Swift

If Wednesday are to steer clear of the relegation battle many are predicting for them next season, they will need to add some creativity to the team.

Of course, finding players who are capable of providing a spark will be difficult for the Owls if they are unable to spend money in the transfer market, but free agent John Swift could help to increase their attacking threat.

Like Ajayi, Swift also departed West Brom at the end of his contract this summer after scoring 19 goals and registering 12 assists in 126 appearances for the club, and while last season was a frustrating one for the 29-year-old as he netted just three times, there is no doubt he still has plenty to offer at Championship level.

Swift's underwhelming campaign means that he is unlikely to be on the radar of top second tier sides, which may open the door for the likes of Wednesday to make a move, and he could potentially thrive at a club with slightly lower expectations.

Mustapha Bundu

Wednesday are in desperate need of new strikers this summer, and while recruiting a prolific number nine will be tough if they are limited to loans and free transfers, there are still some attractive options out there, including Mustapha Bundu.

Bundu enjoyed an excellent campaign for Plymouth Argyle in the Championship last season as he scored 11 goals and provided six assists in 42 games, but it was not enough to prevent the club's relegation to League One.

The 28-year-old was offered a new contract by the Pilgrims last month, but he has reportedly decided against extending his stay at Home Park, and that should certainly put the Owls on alert.

After reaching double figures for goals last season, Bundu will surely have no shortage of second tier interest, while a reunion with former Argyle manager Miron Muslic at Schalke could also be a possibility, but Wednesday should do everything possible to bring him to Hillsborough as there are few better free agent strikers currently available.

Ricky-Jade Jones

Wednesday will need to be creative in the transfer market this summer if they are hit with a punishment, and that means they could decide to look to the lower leagues for potential signings, with Ricky-Jade Jones one of the standout options.

Prior to his release this summer, Jones had been with Peterborough United since the age of eight, and after coming through the club's academy, he went on to score 41 goals and register 12 assists in 203 senior appearances.

Despite playing in a side that battled against relegation for much of the season, Jones enjoyed his best campaign in a Posh shirt last term, scoring 17 goals in 57 games, and it seems he is starting to become more of a clinical finisher, as well as possessing blistering pace.

Having been linked with the likes of Cardiff City and Middlesbrough in January, Jones looks destined for a move to the Championship this summer, and the Owls should be one of the 22-year-old's suitors.