Sheffield Wednesday are weighing up a move for experienced winger Onel Hernandez as their recruitment struggles continue.
The Cuba international has been training with the Owls after leaving Norwich City earlier this summer, sparking talk of a potential deal despite the club’s ongoing restrictions.
Hernandez Trains at Hillsborough
Hernandez, 32, brings a strong Championship pedigree, having played over 200 games for Norwich City since arriving from Eintracht Braunschweig in 2018. He twice lifted the Championship title with the Canaries and also gained experience during loan spells at Middlesbrough and Birmingham City.
Now a free agent, Hernandez represents the type of signing Sheffield Wednesday can still pursue despite their transfer embargo. Free agents remain accessible, but striking terms under the current climate is far from straightforward. Reports suggest the winger has been working with Henrik Pedersen’s squad over the last week to maintain fitness and assess the situation.
Crisis at Hillsborough
The Owls’ ongoing issues continue to cloud their summer. Owner Dejphon Chansiri has yet to finalise a sale of the club, despite fierce protests from supporters demanding change. The uncertainty has created difficulties in providing financial assurances to prospective signings, further slowing recruitment.
The problems were laid bare at the weekend when a depleted Wednesday side were comfortably beaten by Stoke City. With no senior arrivals through the door so far, Pedersen has been forced to work with a paper-thin squad during pre-season and the opening weeks of the campaign.
Manager’s Perspective
Speaking after the Stoke defeat, Pedersen acknowledged the challenges but stressed that work was ongoing to strengthen the group.
“There is communication every day and I know that the club is working hard to solve the challenge we have right now, so we can sign some new players. For coaches we are also working on this and that will maybe be closer than the players.”
In addition to Hernandez, Wednesday have been linked with defenders Liam Cooper and Ben Mee, as well as Southampton midfielder Stuart Armstrong. However, with deals yet to materialise, supporters remain frustrated at the lack of progress.
Writer’s View
Hernandez could provide a timely boost for Sheffield Wednesday, offering pace and know-how at a time when the squad is stretched thin. His experience of two Championship promotions would be valuable in the current circumstances, but whether the club can pull off even a free transfer under the ongoing turmoil remains uncertain. Until the ownership question is settled, every potential signing looks like a difficult puzzle to solve.
