Sheffield Wednesday have confirmed the departure of one of their key players ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The Owls’ start to the pre-season has been positive, with players extending their deals and new faces joining. Still, it was to be expected that players would leave after they dropped to the third tier.
One player whose future always looked in doubt after their relegation was Svante Ingelsson, but the rumours have been put to bed with the Swede’s transfer to Stoke City now confirmed.
Svante Ingelsson Joins Stoke City
Ingelsson’s departure from Hillsborough was confirmed by the Owls on the club’s website.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Sporting Director, Simon Wilson, confirmed the club did attempt to keep the player, but “remained disciplined”:
“We identified Svante as a player we wanted to remain part of our long-term plans and made several attempts to secure his future at Sheffield Wednesday.
“We remained disciplined within the financial and regulatory framework currently governing the club during those discussions, where it also became clear that Svante wanted to return to the Championship should the opportunity arise.
“While we are naturally disappointed to lose a player of his quality, Svante has been excellent throughout this process, and his honesty and collaboration have allowed all parties to work constructively towards a solution.”
Ingelsson’s new Sporting Director at Stoke City, Jonathan Walters, was full of praise for his side’s new player. Speaking on their website, Walters said:
“Svante is a relentless competitor who brings real energy and intensity, both in and out of possession.
“He’s an honest, committed character who gives everything every time he steps onto the pitch.
“It was clear to us that, throughout a difficult 25/26 season, he consistently set the standard with his attitude, work rate and willingness to take responsibility. Those are qualities we value highly and believe will complement the group we’re building.”
Although the deal was confirmed to be for an undisclosed fee, Alex Miller of The Star has reported that the sale was in the region of £1 million.
Sheffield Wednesday Lose Key Player
As Walters said on Stoke’s website, Ingelsson was a standout for the Owls last season. Despite what was going on at the club, the Swede stayed loyal to the club and showed his class on the field.
He received an average Sofascore rating of 6.74 while playing 40 of Wednesday’s 46 Championship games.
His role at the club adapted during the season, with Ingelsson being asked to play a more creative, deeper role when Barry Bannan left the Owls.
At the start of the season, the Swede often made runs beyond the strikers and provided support out on the left. When Bannan left, he found himself playing deeper and dictating more of the play.
Svante ended the season with four big chances created and averaged one key pass per game. He also recorded a pass accuracy of 73%.
The Owls had lots of defensive work to do last season, and Ingelsson played his part. He ended the campaign with 0.7 interceptions per game, 1.7 tackles per game, 1.4 clearances per game, and 3.9 recovered balls per game.
Sheffield Wednesday will have a tough job replacing the Swede, but fans will likely be happy to see players being sold rather than held on to for too long and let go for free.
