Sheffield Wednesday push to sign player set to leave Everton | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday are one of two clubs interested in signing Reece Welch this summer

Sheffield Wednesday’s transfer business is picking up as players prepare to return for pre-season.

The Owls are under new ownership since early May, and Arise Capital are laying the groundwork for the club’s future by rebuilding the first team squad.

The Yorkshire outfit need fresh faces in order to return to competitiveness after earning just 18 points from 46 games last season, with all 18 being deducted by the EFL.

Henrik Pedersen’s side finished bottom of the Championship table, leading them to relegation to League One.

The Dane will be hoping to return the club to a strong level this year, with Ricardo Santos already confirmed as their first signing of the summer.

Another deal has already been reportedly agreed for Aston Villa defender Sil Swinkels, while Liam Cooper has agreed terms on a contract extension.

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It has been reported by Football Insider that Sheffield Wednesday are interested in signing Reece Welch following his exit from Everton.

The 22-year-old’s contract with the Premier League club will expire later this month, and he is free to discuss terms with prospective new teams.

However, the Owls are not the only side interested in adding the centre-back to their ranks this summer.

Sheffield Wednesday face competition from Danish outfit Horsens, who could offer him an option abroad.

Freiburg have also been credited with an interest in the Everton youngster, although they have slowly withdrawn from the race for his signature in recent weeks.

Welch originally joined the Toffees at the age of just 11, but he was unable to earn a breakthrough into the first team squad.

He made a total of four appearances for the Merseyside outfit, although he never once played in the Premier League, despite making matchday squads on a number of occasions in 2025/26.

The 22-year-old previously spent time on loan with Forest Green Rovers in 2023/24, where he featured 17 times in League Two, contributing two assists.

Sheffield Wednesday are understood to be looking to get a deal done quickly, with Pedersen’s squad expected back for pre-season very soon.

However, it remains to be seen whether they can win the race to his signature, with Horsens also in the mix.

The Owls will learn their schedule for the League One season on Thursday morning, with the campaign getting underway the weekend of 14-16 August.

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Reece Welch offers Sheffield Wednesday what they need

Welch lacks senior first team experience, but he is still only 22 and has the potential to grow and develop into a valuable player.

The centre-back is another defensive addition, and will provide some cover which will be sorely needed.

Given he’d be a free agent signing, this is the kind of deal Sheffield Wednesday should be getting over the line to fill out their squad.

It’s likely he’d be a secondary option, and he may never prove to be a consistent part of the squad, but getting young faces through the door this year to provide depth is what’s needed as part of the rebuilding process this summer.