Sheffield Wednesday are reportedly weighing up a move to bring Jerry Yates back to Hillsborough this summer after the striker impressed during his loan spell from Luton Town.
The 29-year-old spent the second half of the 2025/26 season with the Owls after making the temporary switch in January, scoring four goals in 18 Championship appearances and quickly becoming a popular figure among supporters.
According to reports, Yates, who also bagged seven for Luton last season, has already been discussed internally as Wednesday begin planning for another busy summer transfer window. However, any deal is expected to be complicated by both financial considerations and Luton’s likely reluctance to strengthen a potential League One rival.
Wednesday Considering Permanent Return
Yates arrived at Hillsborough midway through the campaign after struggling to establish himself consistently at Kenilworth Road following a reported seven-figure move from Swansea City last summer.
Before his loan switch, the forward had scored seven times for the Hatters across all competitions, before adding another four goals in blue and white during the run-in. His energy, pressing and willingness to work the channels appeared to make him a natural fit with the Hillsborough crowd.
Reports now suggest Sheffield Wednesday decision-makers have held discussions over whether a permanent move could be possible, although several hurdles remain.
Luton paid more than £1 million to sign the striker and he remains under contract until 2028, meaning the Hatters are unlikely to sanction a cut-price departure unless it suits their own rebuilding plans.
There is also the wider financial picture to consider at Hillsborough, with Wednesday expected to operate under restrictions during the coming window.
Experienced EFL Goalscorer
Yates has built a reputation as a reliable EFL forward across multiple divisions. A product of the Rotherham United academy, he came through the ranks with the Millers before loan spells at Harrogate Town, Carlisle United and Swindon Town helped launch his senior career.
His breakthrough came with Blackpool, where he scored 42 goals in 124 appearances and played a major role in their promotion-winning League One campaign in 2020/21. That season also saw him named the PFA Fans’ Player of the Year in League One.
Subsequent spells with Swansea City, Derby County and Luton followed, with the striker regularly proving capable of delivering goals at Championship level.
Wednesday supporters also saw flashes of that quality during his loan spell, particularly during a strong March which earned him the club’s Player of the Month award.
Yates Open To Hillsborough Stay
The striker himself has already hinted he would welcome the chance to remain at Wednesday beyond the end of his loan.
Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield in March, Yates admitted he was uncertain what the summer would hold, but praised the atmosphere at Hillsborough and the backing from supporters.
For now, discussions appear to be at an early stage, but Yates is clearly a player Wednesday admire as preparations continue for a crucial summer rebuild.
One Response
4 goals from 18 games is not enough for me! I think even in a bad side he did miss lots of chances. He is no where near Ugbo bad but think it’s worth a look around because he would not be cheap to bring on board! I think one of the youngster was on 3 goals was he not!