Financial concerns caused Michael Smith and Josh Windass to leave the team, as did coach Danny Rohl.

It has resulted in a very difficult first half of the season, with Henrik Pedersen’s side sitting at the bottom of the Championship standings.

Point deductions have all but secured the Owls’ relegation to League One in 2026.

However, the winter market might still be a busy time for the Yorkshire firm, especially with a change of ownership on the way.

Sheffield Wednesday’s January departures claim

When asked whether there was a player who almost left in the summer and could depart in January, FLW’s Sheffield Wednesday fan pundit offered Nathan Lowe, Yan Valery, and Pierce Charles.

However, he feels the full-back will be too distracted by his involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations, and that summer exits for him and Lowe are more possible at this point, as they do not want to participate in League One next season.

“Of course, looking back on Sheffield Wednesday’s crazy summer, I’m surprised a lot more senior players didn’t leave,” McKenna told Football League World.

“People like Max Lowe were very close. Pierce Charles and Yan Valery are both possible candidates.

“So, these guys are still with us, and if Dejphon Chansiri hadn’t left the club in disgrace, I’d say all of those players would be looking for new opportunities in January.

“However, Valery will be at the Africa Cup of Nations, so I believe he will be distracted and will not try to transfer then.

“Max Lowe may still be looking, but he may be delighted to see the season end, and there will be a lot of turmoil at the club in the summer, and I believe it will be difficult to retain someone like Yan Valery in the summer because he is too excellent for League One.

“But I don’t expect an exodus in January, but summer will be different.

“You won’t blame players for not wanting a season in League One at this stage in their career, but hopefully we will be able to get players in this time to counter any losses to prevent us from playing out the season with a paper thin squad.”

Pedersen’s side has suffered on the pitch as a result of off-field troubles, with Sheffield Wednesday entering administration on October 24.

This is the Owls’ third season in the Championship, with Rohl managing 20th and 12th place results in the previous two years.

However, that run is likely to come to a stop due to the considerable advantage they already have over the clubs listed above due to point deductions.

Sheffield Wednesday are a sitting duck this January.

Sheffield Wednesday’s league status heading into January means clubs can immediately begin recruiting players who wish to avoid League One football.

Depending on the pace of a potential takeover, their financial situation may necessitate one or two player sales in order to keep things running smoothly.

Valery and Charles are also sure to draw interest, and it would not be shocking if Lowe left Hillsborough.

Sheffield Wednesday will be trying to get by with these players until the summer, as they risk having a very tiny squad for the second part of the season if players leave in the winter transfer window.