Ross Wallace backs 'no brainer' Fernando Forestieri, Sheffield Wednesday return | OneFootball

The former Sheffield Wednesday winger would love to see his former teammate return to Hillsborough this summer

The PFA free agent pre-season is in its third week, and a returning name from week two is continuing to pique the interest of Sheffield Wednesday fans.

Fernando Forestieri is still among those without a contract who are training with the PFA to build their fitness in the hope of finding a new club for the upcoming season. The 36-year-old left AEL Limassol in Cyprus at the end of the 2025/26 term.

The Italian frontman has played more times for Sheffield Wednesday than he has at any other club, and was a key part of the Owls side in the early Dejphon Chansiri days, which finished in the top six in consecutive Championship campaigns in 2015/16 and 2016/17.

Unfortunately, as Wednesday began to slide down the second-tier table following the defeat in the latter's semi-final against Huddersfield Town, Forestieri's output did too, but he still spent three more years at Hillsborough before moving to Udinese in 2020.

Ross Wallace urges Sheffield Wednesday to move for Fernando Forestieri

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Six years on, the Owls are under new ownership and fresh direction, beginning life back in League One. Already, club legend Barry Bannan has returned following a short stint at Millwall to end last season.

Some Wednesday fans are dreaming of Forestieri linking back up with him at Hillsborough this season, whereas others are sceptical and don't want to live in the past too much.

Ross Wallace, who was another big part of those play-off teams under Carlos Carvalhal following a move from Burnley, spoke on LinkedIn about how he feels that, even at 36, the Italian frontman would be a brilliant signing on a free transfer for the Owls this summer.

In response to someone debating whether his age would be enough of a factor to not pursue him, the 41-year-old said, "Utter nonsense. Tell me the difference from a football POV.

"Take away any sentiment, Fernando would still be in the 10-15 goal bracket at a breeze at the level. No-brainer for me. Still in good condition, dedicated to the game and is an absolute match winner."

Forestieri never played in League One during his time in England. The majority of his eight seasons in the EFL at Watford and Sheffield Wednesday saw him play for sides at the top of the Championship and have a real impact on their success, whether that be getting to the play-offs or helping the Hornets to promotion in 2015.

Before his move to Cyprus last summer, he scored 50 and assisted 25 in 72 games for Malaysian side Johor Darul Ta'zim. While at a lower level, it highlights his knack for knowing where the goal is, and Wallace evidently feels that can translate to being a useful frontman in the English third tier.

Sheffield Wednesday may only need a veteran addition up front after recent transfer dealings

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With Harry Gray through the door this summer, there are legitimate questions to be asked about whether Sheffield Wednesday need a new starting-level striker this summer.

Leeds United wouldn't have loaned out one of their most promising prospects in a while to a club that wasn't willing to give him the game time to develop, and he, alongside the likes of Will Grainger and Charlie McNeill, forms an exciting, young striker core at Hillsborough currently.

Then, regardless of what Wednesday fans may think of him, Jamal Lowe extended his contract with the Owls this summer, and provides solid experience across the EFL at an age where he is just exiting his prime, so could contribute well at League One level next season.

Perhaps all Sheffield Wednesday need now is a veteran to help guide some of the younger stars and who will not be relied on to play every week. Given his past connections with the club, Forestieri could be the perfect pick-up.

And, if the 36-year-old does have an impact similar to what Wallace feels he could have, then signing him would truly be a "no-brainer."