Sheffield Wednesday are close to signing an experienced Championship midfielder as they look to enhance their promotion chances.
The Owls have been busy this transfer window already, bringing in eight new signings, as well as extending the contracts of key players.
Two of their most impressive signings have come in midfield, with the club bringing back Barry Bannan and signing Callum Slattery on a free transfer.
Wednesday aren’t done there, though, as they eye free agent, Billy Mitchell.
Sheffield Wednesday Close in on Billy Mitchell
Mitchell was released by Millwall at the end of last season, meaning he is now without a club.
The Sheffield Star have reported that the Owls “are making headway” with their negotiations for the midfielder.
They go on to say that Wednesday are hopeful the signing will progress, adding further quality to their midfield.
Experienced Championship Midfielder
The 25-year-old played a part last season in Millwall’s run to the Championship play-offs.
Mitchell played 29 Championship games, starting 24 times, averaging 72 minutes per game. He received an average Sofascore rating of 6.91, including a 7.1 against the Owls in February.
The midfielder chipped in with one assist in the season, as well as creating one further big chance and averaging 0.6 key passes per game.
Where Mitchell impacts the game the most is defensively. He often plays the role of the holding midfielder, protecting the backline.
He finished the season with 0.7 interceptions per game, two tackles per game, 1.7 clearances per game, and recovered 4.2 balls per game.
Missing Piece of the Midfield?
Mitchell could be the final piece of Wednesday’s midfield.
They have two creative players in Slattery and Bannan but need an experienced holding midfielder to provide cover while those two venture further forward.
Despite not playing every game last season, he still made 58 tackles, 21 interceptions, blocked 13 shots, and won 31 aerial duels.
His experience in the Championship, for a team that has been challenging from the play-offs in recent years, will likely only benefit Wednesday as they look to get out of League One.
One Response
All well and good these signngs, but the accent really should be on employing a first class manager