PL ace one of three new attackers: Sheffield Wednesday possible starting XI on first day of 2017/18
COMMENT By Will Butcher
Football Insider gazes into its crystal ball and predicts the Sheffield Wednesday team for the opening day of the 2017-18 campaign.
Carlos Carvalhal could make three attacking Sheffield Wednesday signings in the summer as he looks to bolster his side in the final third.
Wednesday have scored the least amount of goals in the Championship’s top six, with just 34 goals in 29 games as they continue their resurgent form that sees them sit in a lofty sixth place.
Jordan Rhodes was brought to Hillsborough on loan with a view to a £10m permanent switch. If he can replicate the kind of goalscoring form he is known for, then Carvalhal should make Rhodes his first of three first-team signings.
Fernando Forestieri has scored eight of Wednesday’s 34 strikes and starred from the number 10 role, so it is out wide that needs additions to bolster their attacking bite.
Burnley’s George Boyd would add goals to the Wednesday side, while Everton’s proven star Aaron Lennon would provide both pace and creativity from out wide.
Bringing in Rhodes on a permanent basis would give Carvalhal proven quality up top in England’s second tier, while Rhodes also has experience in the top flight if promotion occurs.
Burnley winger Boyd has less than six months remaining on his current Turf Moor contract and is expected to leave at the end of his contract. Similarly, Boyd has both Championship and Premier League experience.
With Ross Wallace also set to leave as his contract enters its dying embers, Boyd would offer more goals, pace and tenacity in attack in place of the set-piece specialist.
Current right-winger Adam Reach has struggled since his club-record £5million move to Yorkshire, scoring just one goal in the blue and white stripes of Wednesday.
Bringing in England international Lennon would be a huge coup for Wednesday, as the former Tottenham and Leeds would provide a precision and intelligence to his side’s attacks.
Lennon is likely to be allowed to leave Goodison Park following Ronald Koeman’s decision to sign the likes of Yannick Bolasie, Ademola Lookman and Enner Valencia.
If Wednesday can pull of these three deals, then a promotion assault is on the cards next term. If they gain promotion this time round, then the new-look attack will still be just as dangerous in England’s top flight.
In other Sheffield Wednesday news, Rhodes has revealed what really happened after his deadline-day move.
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