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Sheffield Wednesday and Dejphon Chansiri are in the midst of financial turmoil, and that has presented the football club with some incredibly tough challenges.
After a productive 12th-place finish in the Championship under Danny Rohl, chaos has ensued at Hillsborough, and it’s down to Dejphon Chansiri failing to pay his players and staff in May.
While the Sheffield Wednesday staff have since been paid, some of the playing squad have remained unpaid, resulting in Wednesday being placed under an embargo by the EFL.
It was even threatened that Wednesday could face a three-window transfer ban until January 2027, meaning no money can be spent on player signings or even loan fees for the next 18 months.
That was a result of Sheffield Wednesday exceeding 30 days of late payments between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025. So, with news of a transfer ban now being imposed on the Owls, here are some free agents they should be looking at.
Three free agents Sheffield Wednesday can sign
Anfernee Dijksteel
After releasing Pol Valentin, who has since joined Preston North End, Sheffield Wednesday are on the lookout for a new right-back.
There are several options in the free agent market, and one of those is Anfernee Dijksteel, who remains a free agent following his release from Middlesbrough.
Dijksteel was a regular starter for Boro during the 2024/25 campaign, featuring 33 times in the Championship under Michael Carrick.
The 28-year-old would offer defensive solidity and an abundance of experience at right-back, something Wednesday need in their side.
Semi Ajayi
Due to Chansiri failing to pay his players, it’s going to be incredibly difficult for Wednesday to attract new signings, especially ones wanted by other clubs.
Hull are leading the race to sign centre-back Semi Ajayi following his release from West Brom, though the Nigerian would offer remarkable strength and ball-playing ability to the Owls’ back line.
The 31-year-old suffered an injury hit 2024/25 campaign, but he has amassed 200 appearances in the second tier, becoming one of the division’s strongest defenders.
It seems unlikely that Wednesday could hijack a late deal for Ajayi; however, following the release of Michael Ihiekwe, he’s certainly an option.
Massimo Luongo
Shea Charles was incredible for Sheffield Wednesday on loan from Southampton, and now the Northern Irish starlet is being eyed by Leeds United.
Charles offered Rohl’s men an abundance of energy and tenacity from midfield, as well as six goal involvements from deep.
Now he’s returned to St Mary’s, the 21-year-old needs replacing, and they could look to Massimo Luongo as an option on a free transfer.
Luongo was released by Ipswich Town following their relegation, and having played 73 times for Wednesday previously, perhaps the Owls should go back in for the Australia international.
The 32-year-old wouldn’t be the most inspiring signing but in their current position, they’ll be lucky to persuade anyone to join.