Sheffield Wednesday have struck a deal to sign Aston Villa defender Sil Swinkels in a permanent move.
The Owls have been proactive in the summer market so far, eyeing moves for several players, including Joe Taylor, Josh Stones and Kyreece Lisbie, among others.
Double Decision Shores Up Defence
However, it seems that Henrik Pedersen’s side have found more joy in their recruitment when it comes to their defensive areas, having finally tied down Liam Cooper to a new contract.
The former Leeds United man was out of contract at Hillsborough this summer, but has now officially agreed to a 12-month extension to his stay in South Yorkshire.
The Scottish defender will be joined at the back by a new face, though, with Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke confirming that Wednesday have agreed a permanent deal for Sil Swinkels.
The Aston Villa youth prospect, who has previously been a Netherlands Under-18 international, has been picking up valuable EFL experience on loan over the past 18 months.
Last season, he struggled for regular minutes at Exeter City under Gary Caldwell, which led Unai Emery’s side to opt for a recall and instead send Swinkels to League Two challengers Chesterfield.
In Derbyshire, he thrived, with 24 appearances to his name and aided their promotion push, which came undone in the playoff semi-finals at the hands of Notts County.
Now, he is set to head to Hillsborough, with Wednesday beating competition from other League One and European sides for his signature.
Good Depth Added – But Can Swinkels Break Through?
Sheffield Wednesday have finally made another breakthrough in what is set to be a massive summer for the club, and with a few other plates spinning in the market, plenty more will join Sil Swinkels.
The centre-back comes to the club with Henrik Pedersen looking to add a bit more youth to his options at the back following the recruitment of Ricardo Santos from Swansea City, joining Liam Cooper, Gabriel Otegbayo and Liam Palmer.
There is a lot of competition at the back for the Dane to handle this summer, and adding Swinkels, while a good move, may not be a signing to immediately challenge for regular minutes.
Finally making a breakthrough at Chesterfield after underwhelming stints at Exeter and Bristol Rovers, the Aston Villa man may have his work cut out to earn a place in a new-look Wednesday squad.
