Sheffield Wednesday now has the opportunity to secure one of their January transfer targets for free, as his current contract is expiring next month.
The Owls had a successful January transfer window, which significantly contributed to their retention of Championship status for another season. Among their acquisitions were James Beadle, Ike Ugbo, and Ian Poveda, all on loan, who proved to be key players and are now desired back at Hillsborough for the upcoming season.
Danny Rohl is particularly eager for Ugbo’s return, given Sheffield Wednesday’s current shortage of attacking options. With Josh Windass attracting interest from other Championship clubs, Lee Gregory departing as a free agent, and Ashley Fletcher’s loan ending, the team’s attacking lineup has thinned.
As things stand, Michael Smith, Bailey Cadamarteri, and Mallik Wilks are the only strikers in Rohl’s squad for the summer. While Duncan McGuire remains a point of interest at Sheffield Wednesday, another striker the club pursued in January is now available for free.
Scott Hogan set to leave Birmingham City
Scott Hogan, aged 32, is set to become a free agent this summer, capping off a challenging season for both him and Birmingham City. Birmingham was relegated after finishing 22nd in the Championship, with Hogan managing just one goal in 26 league appearances.
Wednesday had strong links with Hogan before and during the January transfer window. Reports indicated that Owls owner Dejphon Chansiri was willing to offer up to £30,000 per week for a loan striker, with Hogan being the primary target at the time.
Despite the speculation, Hogan didn’t make the move to S6 and continued in a backup role for Birmingham, often appearing as a late substitute, which explains his low goal tally.
However, Hogan has a track record of scoring 10 Championship goals in each of the past two seasons. Playing in a more attacking and positive setup under Rohl at Wednesday could provide the platform for Hogan to rediscover his form and get his career back on track.
Scott Hogan would be a shrewd signing for Sheffield Wednesday
Scott Hogan may not immediately appear as an appealing signing for Sheffield Wednesday, given his age (32) and his limited goal output in a struggling Birmingham City team. However, delving deeper into his recent performances reveals a more promising picture.
In the 2022/23 season, Hogan demonstrated sharpness by scoring 10 goals despite having only 1.5 shots on target per game, translating to a goal every 273 minutes (according to Sofascore). Additionally, he showcased his ability to create opportunities by averaging 0.7 key passes per game, showcasing good chemistry with wingers like Tahith Chong and Juninho Bacuna.
Hogan’s versatility is another asset; despite his smaller stature, he excels as a hold-up player, possesses speed and agility, and can excel as a poacher. His experience and adaptability make him an intriguing prospect, especially in a setup similar to what Wednesday might offer with players like Anthony Musaba and Djeidi Gassama.
While his wage demands might be a concern, a potential pay cut could be negotiated considering the opportunity to work under Rohl and rediscover his form. Given the limited striking options and the potential benefits Hogan could bring, securing him on a free transfer could prove to be a smart move for Wednesday.
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