Joe Lumley is set to move to Sheffield Wednesday as the Owls look to shake up their goalkeeping options for the upcoming season.
After series of loan moves over the course of their Championship relegation season, Henrik Pedersen’s side have been seeking new options between the sticks, with that need now emphasised by the expected loss of Pierce Charles.
The Northern Ireland international is on course to return to his former club, Manchester City, with it as yet undecided whether he will act as a backup or head out on loan, with Wrexham and Queens Park Rangers coveting his services.
Owls Poach Robins
Now, according to the Wednesday Word Substack page, it has been reported that Joe Lumley is on his way to Hillsborough this summer as Bristol City look to offload the 31-year-old after just one season.
Signed on a free transfer from Southampton, the former Reading loanee failed to deliver at Ashton Gate, playing just four times across his spell and was stuck behind existing first choice Radek Vitek.
Now, with the Czech international replaced with Wigan Athletic’s Sam Tickle under new boss Michael Skubala, the Robins have opted to move on Lumley with a year left on his contract, with Wednesday expected to complete a move.
Having loaned in the goalkeeper in October for two matches on an emergency loan, the Owls are moving for several new options this summer, with links to Murphy Cooper also emerging over the past few days.
However, it seems that Henrik Pedersen’s side have lost that race, with West London Sport reporting that QPR have agreed a £500,000 sale to Plymouth Argyle.
Alan Nixon revealed at the end of June that Stevenage’s Filip Marschall was also on the wishlist in the Steel City, with the 23-year-old believed to be their number one target if Charles was sold.
Can Lumley Step Up?
After a two-match stint as an emergency backup for Sheffield Wednesday amid an injury crisis, it seems that Joe Lumley had done enough to convince the League One newcomers to bring him back on a permanent basis.
Having not played much senior football over the past few years, it may not be the wisest of choices to bring him in as the new first-choice goalkeeper to replace Pierce Charles, with his last appearance coming in Bristol City’s FA Cup loss to Port Vale.
Nevertheless, as a depth option, Lumley would be a more than solid addition, and will be dependable when called upon if needed by an Owls side which has lacked some leaders in recent seasons.
With youth options Logan Stretch and Jack Phillips not likely to be called upon as of yet, it is crucial that another senior, experienced option can be found before the start of the season to ensure there is sufficient depth in their ranks for next season.
