Sheffield Wednesday fans will love how Joe Lumley reacted to re-joining the club | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday have confirmed their eighth signing of the summer transfer window

Sheffield Wednesday are in the middle of rebuilding their first team squad under new owners Arise Capital.

The group led by David Storch completed their takeover of the Owls at the beginning of May, and have so far installed a new CEO and a new sporting director.

The new recruitment chief Simon Wilson has been working alongside Henrik Pedersen to complete signings, with a lot of fresh faces needed after the team’s disastrous 2025/26.

An early flurry of additions includes Jordi Liongola, Ricardo Santos, Callum Slattery and Sil Swinkels.

Barry Bannan has also made a sensational return to Hillsborough, with Louie Barry joining from Aston Villa, and Joe Lumley has become the latest permanent addition.

Harry Gray signed on loan from Leeds United, and business is set to continue for Sheffield Wednesday, as they have until 1 September to complete their transfer activity.

Joe Lumley explains why he joined Sheffield Wednesday

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Lumley has agreed a two-year deal with Sheffield Wednesday to become their eighth signing of the summer transfer window.

The 31-year-old has joined as a free transfer from Bristol City, having been their second-choice shot-stopper last season.

The goalkeeper has claimed it was a no-brainer decision to return to the club after previously spending a short stint on loan at Hillsborough last season.

“I jumped at the chance to come here,” said Lumley, via the club’s official website.

“I was here last season and just got a feeling within that time of the set-up of the club, how big the club is, how passionate the fans are.

“It was a no-brainer for me to come here.

“I'm here to serve the team and serve the club, so it's not about me.

“Obviously, I'm going to put my best performances in that I can, train as hard as I can, week in, week out, every single day.

“I've heard that the season tickets are selling out fast.

“So, I can only imagine the atmosphere is going to be exactly how it was when I experienced it before, which is perfect.

“I've played at Hillsborough as an away player too and when the ground is bouncing, it's intimidating, which as a home team, you want that.

“And the old cliche, make your home ground a fortress, you have to do that.

“With everyone at the club, everyone involved, I'm sure we will.”

Lumley joined Sheffield Wednesday on an emergency loan last October due to injuries in the squad, and he made two appearances for the club in that time.

The goalkeeper played in defeats to Middlesbrough and Oxford United before returning to Bristol City, where his only appearances came in the EFL Cup and FA Cup.

How Sheffield Wednesday fans feel about Joe Lumley signing

Sheffield Wednesday fans believe this is a sensible addition to the squad, and they feel his experience will prove a useful asset to the dressing room.

While the Owls have sold Pierce Charles, leaving them without their exciting young first-choice goalkeeper, many are happy with the 31-year-old joining the team, particularly as they expect one more signing in this area.

However, some are concerned that he might be the replacement to Charles, who made the switch to Manchester City.

But ultimately, fans are happy to see Lumley return to the club to bolster the squad for next season.

Sheffield Wednesday start their League One campaign on 15 August with a trip to face Leyton Orient.

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Joe Lumley is a solid addition for Sheffield Wednesday

Whether Lumley will be first choice or a back-up, this is a solid addition for the Sheffield Wednesday squad.

He is an experienced shot-stopper, who has competed in the Championship and has been in the dressing room of a Premier League side, so he can help set a high standard for the younger players in the team.

If the Owls can sign a younger goalkeeper, potentially Murphy Cooper, then Lumley would be a great mentor to them.

Sheffield Wednesday continue to do impressive work in the transfer window, and it’s great business to be able to bring in so many fresh faces this early into pre-season.