Sheffield Wednesday have been dealt their latest setback, with reported target Wes Burns, whose contract was due to expire this summer, signing a fresh multi‑year deal at Ipswich Town following their promotion to the Premier League.
Securing a player like Burns would’ve been a serious coup for Wednesday, given his undoubted quality and his proven experience and success in the third tier. But in the end, it wasn’t to be, which is understandable from Burns’ perspective upon considering his relationship with his current club.
Busy summer rolls on
While any move for Burns always looked ambitious, with MLS teams also reportedly interested, Arise Capital’s new regime has wasted no time, already bringing in Jordi Liongola, Ricardo Santos and Callum Slattery as part of a busy rebuild for League One. Their recruitment drive will continue as they push for further additions ahead of the 2026/2027 season.
Love of the club key
Having been linked with a move by The Star, the man who has made 164 appearances for the Tractor Boys and helped deliver three promotions, 31‑year‑old Burns expressed his delight at extending his stay at Ipswich, where he’ll be keen to impress new manager Gary O’Neil.
“I am so proud to have represented Ipswich Town for the last five years and to have achieved so much during that time. I love everything about the club and the area, so to be able to stay and play in the Premier League again is something I am really looking forward to,” Burns explained.
“Winning a third promotion last season was really special for the club and the town and also for me personally, after working so hard to get back on the pitch after a long time out through injury. After missing so much of our last season in the Premier League, I’m really motivated to compete at the highest level again and help the club take the next step.”
Eyes ahead
Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen’s push to bring in fresh blood as pre‑season gets underway will now carry on in earnest, with expectations high that several more signings will arrive during what promises to be a hectic period before the campaign begins in August.
