'Who could blame him?' - Sheffield Wednesday star tipped to leave as Derby County, Middlesbrough circle | OneFootball

The player is expected to leave after Wednesday's relegation to League One.

Following the takeover of US consortium Arise Capital Partners, led by David Storch, it feels as if a cloud has been lifted from over Sheffield Wednesday.

The South Yorkshire club have endured one of the most miserable seasons in their 169-year history, suffering a landmark relegation under the chaotic reign of Dejphon Chansiri.

However, with the club set to return to League One under Storch and Co, there is reason to be optimistic as the club has the opportunity to rebuild and have a proper go at bringing the good times back.

Despite the renewed positivity at the club, there is every reason that Sheffield Wednesday could lose some of their key men, with one particular player already garnering attention from the Championship.

Max Lowe expected to leave Sheffield Wednesday if Derby County and Middlesbrough come knocking

Max Lowe is on an exclusive list of players to have represented both the Owls and Sheffield United, having moved across South Yorkshire on a free transfer in 2024.

Since arriving at Hillsborough, the 29-year-old has amassed 66 appearances for the club, but given his vast experience at Championship level, there are murmurings that he could leave this summer.

Derby County and Middlesbrough are among the clubs reportedly interested in Lowe, and with the summer transfer window looming, there is every chance they are poised to move for his services.

Indeed, if they do, then FLW's Sheffield Wednesday fan pundit Patrick McKenna would not begrudge him a move away from Hillsborough.

"You'd think that the interest from Derby County and Middlesbrough would pique the interest of Max Lowe, and who could blame him?" he told Football League World when asked if their attention could turn his head.

"Both teams will be in the Championship next season, challenging for promotion rather than fighting relegation, so why wouldn't he want to continue playing at a higher level in a stronger team?

"I did think that it was a bit fanciful that he would want to stay at Wednesday, despite the fact that we've got new ownership.

"We will be playing in League One next season, so if teams playing around the top of the Championship come in, I think the offer would be too much.

"I do see him leaving in the summer, and I would not be surprised if we did see a few other Championship clubs showing interest in him."

What next for Lowe and Wednesday?

Just because there is interest in Lowe, it does not mean that he will leave, although it would surely be too tempting for the defender to resist Championship interest should the offers arrive.

Lowe has reportedly said that he is open to staying at Sheffield Wednesday despite the club's relegation and that the Owls would be keen to hand him a fresh contract this summer.

Given that the left-back is out of contract this summer, his availability becomes even more appealing to interested parties as they would not need to pay a fee for his services.

Furthermore, those with bigger financial backing could offer him a higher weekly wage to tempt him to new pastures, with Lowe on an estimated £17,000 per week, according to Capology.

While this season has been a challenging one for Lowe and his teammates, he has still shown plenty of promise that would make him a worthy asset in the second tier.

The left-back ranks in the top 12 per cent of players in his position in the Championship for expected assists (xA), chances created and successful crosses, according to Futmob, emphasising his attacking credentials.

Furthermore, he ranks in the top 19 per cent of left-backs for tackles and interceptions, which is not bad for a player who has been on the back foot all season.