With a new goalkeeper, two new defenders, a handful of midfield additions and a couple of fresh attacking options, things are starting to look a lot better for Henrik Pedersen ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Wednesday aren’t done yet, of course, with around 10 further arrivals being anticipated between now and the end of the transfer window in September. But they’re at least in a position to field a competitive side - which wasn’t the case not too long back.
With who is through the door, though, who would make their best starting XI if everyone was fit and the season started tomorrow?
Not everybody is match-ready yet, but we thought we’d take a look at who is actively contracted for next season and try to pick the best set of starters as things stand.
Goalkeeper
This one is pretty easy, for now at least. Joe Lumley is the only senior goalkeeper in Pedersen’s ranks at present, with Logan Stretch and Jack Phillips seen as the up-and-comers underneath him. Cameron Dawson has also been training with the club.
It’s understood that bringing in another shot-stopper over the summer is part of the plan, so Lumley’s place against Bradford City on the opening day of Wednesday’s League One campaign is by no means guaranteed.
Defence
The expectation is that the Owls will be switching to a back four again for the season ahead, which means more traditional full-backs rather than the wing-backs that we saw over the course of the 2025/26 campaign.
In terms of contracted defenders, it could be argued that Yan Valery should be starting at right back - but the general consensus is that he will not be a Wednesday player for much longer. Jordi Liongola is considered to be an option there, but for the time being could be utilised further up the pitch. With that in mind, stalwart Liam Palmer is the most likely option in that position for now.
Central defence, meanwhile, is the position where Wednesday are most well-stocked. Ricardo Santos and Sil Swinkels have been signed, Liam Cooper has extended his stay, while Gabriel Otegbayo and Ernie Weavers will be hoping to add to their minutes. For many fans, however, the most exciting prospect is the return of Di’Shon Bernard.
For the time being, we’d suggest that - when fully fit - Bernard and Cooper are two excellent options at this level, especially with the latter being a left-footer to bring balance to the backline. It’s actually going to be fascinating to see how Pedersen lines up centrally.
Left back is potentially the most easily predicted position on the pitch at this point in time, with Max Lowe practically a guaranteed starter there. They’re looking for a more attacking wide left player, like Tayo Adaramola, but Lowe is expected to start whenever available.
Midfield
Heading into central midfield, and two players look very well-placed to start for Wednesday this season. Barry Bannan is back and is likely to occupy to number 10 role that he performed so well in during the last promotion, while Callum Slattery is one of the club’s most exciting summer signings and can play right through the middle.
The other central role is one that’s currently up for grabs, and by the looks of the line up against West Bromwich Albion, Sean Fusire could be in with a shout there. Jarvis Thornton will be itching to get more senior minutes, but it’s also a position that Wednesday are eager to strengthen further in the coming weeks.
Wingers
Several Wednesdayites will be excited at the prospect of seeing their team play with wingers again, and there’s some exciting talent to play in the wide positions. Louie Barry is one that you’d expect to start more often than not, and for now Jordi Liongola could be called upon on the right side.
Will Grainger has the ability to play out wide, but is likely to be utilised more centrally when used. Either in the 10 role or even further forward. Charlie McNeill could fall into the same category, too, but it’s known that there’s a hunt on to bring more wide players in to bolster Pedersen’s wing options.
Striker
Up front is an area that the Owls definitely need more depth in. When it comes to actual forwards, Wednesday really only have a handful of options. Jamal Lowe is one of them, George Brown - when fit again - is another, while Devlan Moses could be a player they look to loan out in search of regular senior game time this year.
Pedersen is on the hunt for a big number nine in the Michael Smith mould, and until that player has been found, we think that Harry Gray could be the best striker available. He may be young, but he’s got recent League One experience, and height on his side. Lowe is obviously the more seasoned choice given his career, but Leeds United will want the 17-year-old playing.
This article is available for free, but if you like what you’ve seen from The Wednesday Word, then a paid subscription would mean the world to us - and allow us to keep doing everything that we’re doing in the TWW universe. Thank you!
Brilliant Joe thanks just what I needed thank you
I have Santos in place of Bernard due to fitness but agree with you. I thought he was a little behind.
Massive strides made but still lot of work to do