A former Sheffield Wednesday target has been released by his current club.
During the January transfer window, Sheffield Wednesday sought a new forward to strengthen their bid to avoid relegation. Despite finishing the season as the second-lowest goal-scorers in the division, the loan acquisition of Ike Ugbo proved crucial in helping them stay up.
Danny Rohl’s team was heavily linked with Duncan McGuire towards the end of the window, with expectations they might pursue him again this summer. However, there has been little mention of the Yorkshire club’s continued interest.
Another striker briefly linked with Wednesday in January was Scott Hogan, who struggled for game-time with Birmingham City this season. The “brilliant” 32-year-old scored 34 goals in his first four seasons at St Andrews but managed only one goal and eleven starts this term.
Scott Hogan is now available on a free transfer. Despite his recent decline in form, there were rumors of Wednesday targeting Hogan, although a move never materialized.
The Owls have received a boost if they remain interested in the attacker, as Birmingham has confirmed his departure on a free transfer this summer.
Hogan is likely to attract considerable interest within the EFL, although his £11,500-per-week wages might complicate his search for a new club.
Sheffield Wednesday will be looking for a new number 9, especially if they cannot bring Ugbo back to Hillsborough.
However, it would be surprising if they agreed to Hogan’s wage demands, particularly since he recently turned 32. Additionally, he is not the type of goalscorer they need. The club might prefer to retain players like Lee Gregory and Michael Smith instead of signing Hogan.
Wednesday should focus on younger players to build their squad, as seen with the influential loan arrivals of Ugbo, James Beadle, and Ian Poveda in the second half of the season.
Rohl’s presence seems to have improved Wednesday’s transfer strategy, and if they can replicate their January success, fans could feel optimistic by the transfer deadline.
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