'I could see him go' - International tipped for Sheffield Wednesday exit | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday fan pundit Patrick McKenna has told FLW that he fears Yan Valery will leave the club in the summer transfer window.

Sheffield Wednesday have been told that keeping Yan Valery may not be realistic as they head into the final month of the transfer window.

The Owls have had a remarkably busy transfer window so far following the takeover by Arise Capital Partners. After months of talks, the US group finally bought the Owls in May, and they knew they were inheriting a club in a mess.

Not only were Wednesday relegated from the Championship, but they had been left with a squad that struggled to compete, as many senior players had departed, which meant several youngsters were thrown into the deep end.

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To their credit, all who played for Wednesday last season gave their all, but it was clear an overhaul was required, even with the club dropping into the third tier.

Sheffield Wednesday face battle to keep Yan Valery

Therefore, there has been a focus on incomings, and Henrik Pedersen has already strengthened his squad with many new faces, with Harry Gray, Callum Slattery and Louie Barry among the new arrivals, whilst Barry Bannan sealed an emotional return to Hillsborough from Millwall.

So, there is excitement about how this new-look squad will do in League One, and there is an expectation that more new signings will be made ahead of the deadline. Yet, it’s not all about incomings, and Wednesday will still be moving players on.

And, when asked by FLW which individual he expects to leave the Owls, Sheffield Wednesday fan pundit Patrick McKenna admitted that keeping Valery could be difficult, given the pedigree of the 25-cap Tunisia international.

“I’m absolutely delighted that Valery is back with us, training with us, and it does look as though he wants to stay with us for next season.

“However, I would not be surprised if he was sold, as I think he probably will have some suitors looking at him, and before the September deadline, I could see him go.

“I could understand why he may want to play elsewhere, so I suppose we can just cross our fingers with this one, and hope he doesn’t go. But, I would not be surprised by the deadline that Valery has left Sheffield Wednesday.”

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Yan Valery would be a huge player for Sheffield Wednesday in League One

Pedersen has already acknowledged that the club ‘hope’ to keep Valery, and that makes total sense, as he would be an excellent player in League One.

However, most fans would recognise that he has the ability to play at a higher level, so many would share this view that there is a real possibility that he does move on.

Ultimately, it’s just a case of waiting and seeing what happens, and you would hope that the hierarchy at Wednesday are already in talks with Valery and his representatives, to ensure they aren’t caught off-guard.

That will ensure they are ready to move if Valery does leave, as he will need to be replaced, which could be difficult, as he is someone who is capable in several positions.

So, this will be one to monitor, and, as Pedersen outlined, it’s something that they will take on a week-by-week basis.

But, there’s no denying that if Valery did remain at Hillsborough, he would be integral to what Sheffield Wednesday hope will be a push for promotion this season as they look to return to the Championship at the first attempt.