Sheffield Wednesday Loses Leading Scorers Windass, Smith Amid Wage Crisis

Sheffield Wednesday is experiencing a significant player exodus due to a financial crisis that has led to delays in wage payments. Key players Josh Windass and Michael Smith have left the club on free transfers after submitting notices in line with Football League regulations, with several other players also considering contract terminations. Windass and Smith were pivotal last season, being the team's leading scorers and instrumental in their promotion from League One, but the club's financial instability and a transfer embargo have hindered squad rebuilding efforts. Other Yorkshire clubs like Harrogate Town, Middlesbrough, and Hull City are also navigating transfer challenges ahead of the 2024-25 season, with Hull City awaiting a ban appeal on player transactions. Meanwhile, former Sheffield United players have moved on to various clubs with varying degrees of success, including Premier League and Scottish Premiership appearances. Additionally, Rangers and Celtic are preparing for the upcoming Scottish Premiership season, with transfer activity intensifying amid interest from Premier League clubs in standout players like Celtic's Japanese international Maeda.