Sheffield Wednesday will kick off their 2025-26 Championship season with a challenging away match against Leicester City. The Owls, currently in financial turmoil, are aiming to build a competitive team despite their ongoing transfer fee ban. Leicester, relegated from the Premier League, bring a wealth of quality and experience which will provide a tough test.
Limited options
Sheffield Wednesday experienced a significant exodus of players, reshaping their squad amid a challenging period for the club. Notably, key forwards Josh Windass and Michael Smith departed by mutual consent. Windass, the Owls’ top scorer in the Championship during the 2024/25 season, and Smith, who contributed eight goals, were pivotal in the team’s attacking output, combining for 30 direct goal contributions. Their departures were a blow to the squad, especially given their significant roles in Danny Röhl’s setup.
Additionally, wingers Djeidi Gassama and Anthony Musaba left for Rangers and Samsunspor, respectively, for undisclosed fees, further depleting the attacking options. These exits, amid financial turmoil and a transfer embargo, have raised concerns about the club’s ability to replace such influential figures, with fears of relegation looming for the 2025/26 season. Barry Bannan remains training with the club, despite not officially being a registered player.
Due to these circumstances, this is the way we currently expect Sheffield Wednesday to start the season.
Rohl Future
Danny Röhl’s future at Sheffield Wednesday remains uncertain as of July 2025, despite his recent return to the club after a two-week absence during pre-season.His contract, which runs until 2027, includes a £5 million release clause, complicating potential exits. Off-field turmoil at Sheffield Wednesday, including unpaid wages and transfer embargoes, has fuelled speculation about Röhl’s departure, with reports suggesting he had informed the squad of his intent to leave earlier this summer
Hopes of a club takeover prompted his return, as he aims to stabilise the team ahead of the 2025/26 season. Despite this, some fans and players remain frustrated by his flirtations with other clubs, and his long-term commitment is questionable. Röhl’s ambition to manage at the highest level, particularly in the Bundesliga, suggests he may still depart if a suitable opportunity arises, leaving Sheffield Wednesday in a precarious position.
