Sheffield Wednesday attacker could leave Hillsborough as Championship clubs plot move | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday's January transfer window could see a number of exits from Hillsborough and one forward has Championship interest already.

Sheffield Wednesday's January transfer window is hopefully one with new face arriving, but that doesn't stop others from leaving the club this month. In theory, it could aid the club's financial position in the process.

Of course, Sheffield Wednesday's circumstances changed drastically over the summer with a transfer embargo put in place. Now, irrespective of what transpires this month, Sheffield Wednesday are likely to be in League One next season.

That said, it has benefitted youngsters in terms of their development. For example, someone like Charlie McNeill has been a far more regular starter this season, having featured 21 times for the Owls in the League, with a further two appearances in the Carabao Cup. The goals that he scored against Preston North End were the first that he'd managed for the club since his debut in August 2024.

An assist against Wrexham in August and a strike against Watford more recently are his only other goal involvement so far this season, with the versatile forward often utilised in a variety of different roles across the midfield and attack. He is someone who is developing by the game already.

Sheffield Wednesday's Charlie McNeill attracts Championship interest

Unfortunately, Wednesday's position makes retaining players more difficult and it's already become clear that stars like Harry Amass could leave Sheffield Wednesday, while others are linked with an exit from Hillsborough in the midst of their financial problems off the pitch.

There's no doubt that McNeill has potential. He scored over 600 goals at youth level, and in September 2020, Manchester United were persuaded enough by him to pay Manchester City £750,000 for his services. But McNeill was unable to break into the first-team at Old Trafford and his appearances for the club were limited to the EFL Trophy.

Now 22 years of age, McNeill's career hasn't yet ignited in the way that he perhaps imagined it would. But the condition of Sheffield Wednesday this season, highly limited in terms of who they can play, offered him an opportunity to shine.

But now, The Star report that other clubs are taking notice of his improvement under Henrik Pedersen. They unserstand that a number of Championship clubs are now keeping tabs on the young attacker, with suggestions that one or two of them may be tempted to make a move to try and do a deal during the current transfer window.

If he can use this experience to grow as a player and kick on, Sheffield Wednesday could find themselves with quite a talent on their hands. However, an impending relegation and a contract with just 18 months left on it makes it all the more difficult to retain his services.

Charlie McNeill could pave the way for Duncan Watmore's arrival at Sheffield Wednesday

McNeill's exit could perhaps pave the way for signings, including that of the versatile Duncan Watmore. He has been linked to Sheffield Wednesday. If they want a more experienced player who can also plug a number of positions, then the former Middlesbrough and Sunderland man ticks the boxes.

McNeill has shown his range by operating in different roles. He could develop further and become a more rounded and expensive player, but cashing in now is also likely to be tempting to ensure the club's longer-term stability. That means McNeill and more may well have to leave this month.

League One planning should also be considered, which is where he could have thrived further in dropping down a division. But the club have to make these types of decision this month, as no one can be totally off limits in Sheffield Wednesday's January transfer window.