Former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder and club icon Carlton Palmer has given his verdict on what he thinks about two of the Owls’ summer signings.
When Sunderland got promoted from League One in 2022, they entered the Championship with one of the strongest squads in the league – Black Cats’ sporting director Kristjaan Speakman managed to recruit the likes of Édouard Michut, Daniel Ballard and Amad Diallo, who would help the side finish in the playoffs.
Sheffield Wednesday on the other hand hasn’t managed to recruit as well as their new league rivals since their promotion to the Championship and losing manager Darren Moore only makes their fight for survival much harder.
Former Watford boss Xisco Muñoz was appointed as Moore’s successor, however, the Spaniard is struggling to guide his side to points.
The Owls currently sit 23rd in the Championship with their only point coming in a lacklustre 0-0 draw to Yorkshire rivals Leeds United.
And Palmer hasn’t been too impressed by the deadline-day acquisitions of Jeff Hendrick and John Buckley…
What has Carlton Palmer said about Wednesday’s transfer business?
Speaking to FootballLeagueWorld this week, Palmer said:
“Sheffield Wednesday needed to bring in some Championship experienced players into their squad, so on deadline day, they secured the services of John Buckley.
“It was believed that Buckley was the subject of a £3 million pound bid from Swansea on a permanent deal, but Buckley rejected the move to stay up north.
“Buckley has fallen down the pecking order at Blackburn starting only 21 games last season, but at 23, has played over 100 Championship games, so is a useful acquisition.”
Palmer then turned his attention to Hendrick. The former Leeds United midfielder added:
“Hendrick is 31, is experienced, and has a lot of Championship experience.
“He spent last season out on loan at Reading playing 45 league games. Although they were relegated, that was due to the six-point deduction. So, [Hendrick is] another useful acquisition.
“Both are not top-drawer signings but useful additions to the squad.”
Who have Sheffield Wednesday signed this season?
Wednesday’s deadline day business may save them from relegation as they managed to get a few additions through the door. One signing that the three-time FA Cup winners signed was Irish midfielder Hendrick from Newcastle United.
The 31-year-old had seen his minutes vanish at Newcastle United as the Magpies invested heavily in their midfield with the Dublin-born midfielder being nowhere near the quality of £55m rated Sandro Tonali or £42.7m Bruno Guimarães.
| Name of signing | Former club | Price as per Transfermarkt |
| Djeidi Gassama | PSG | 850k |
| Pol Valentín | Sporting Gijón | 250k |
| Juan Delgado | Paços de Ferreira | Free |
| Di’Shon Bernard | Manchester United | Free |
| Anthony Musaba | Monaco | Free |
| Ashley Fletcher | Watford | Loan |
| Devis Vásquez | AC Milan | Loan |
| Mohamed Diaby | Portimonense | Loan |
| Jeff Hendrick | Newcastle United | Loan |
| John Buckley | Blackburn Rovers | Loan |
| Bambo Diaby | Preston North End | N/A |
| Reece James | Blackpool | N/A |
The £1.2m valued midfielder played three times for Newcastle in the 2021/22 season and was later shipped off to Reading the next year. During his time at the Royals, Hendrick played 45 times in the Championship scoring four and assisting once as his side were relegated.
The Owls also reinforced on deadline day with 23-year-old John Buckley arriving on loan from Blackburn Rovers.
Like Hendrick, Buckley also plays in the centre of the park and has already played 130 times for the Riversiders despite his relatively young age. Last season, the hard-working midfielder averaged 0.43 yellow cards a game (seven in total), so Muñoz may want to have a chat with his new signing about being less aggressive when defending.
Whether Palmer is right in his assessment remains to be seen, but after the international break, the Spaniard will be hoping the arrival of these two midfielders will help change their fortunes on the pitch or they will face an instant return to the doldrums of League One.
