Sheffield Wednesday target versatile free agent after Everton exit

Sheffield Wednesday have opened talks with 23‑year‑old Tyler Onyango after his Everton contract expired this summer, eyeing the utility player to bolster their squad ahead of the League One campaign that begins with an EFL Cup tie at Hillsborough this weekend.

Action Images By  Samuel Armitage Published Aug 5, 2026, 11:39 AM GMT+1. Sam is an EFL writer for Football League World. A freelance sports journalist, he graduated from the University of Salford with a First Class Broadcast Journalism degree. He has contributed to the Northern Premier League, Leeds United blogs and has media work for Stockport County, Wigan Athletic and Salford City. Add Us to the conversation and check the Thread Log for updates. Per the report, the author’s background underscores the depth of coverage.

The Owls have been the busiest side in the EFL transfer market this summer, with speculation that up to 20 new signings could be completed before the window closes on September 1, leaving room for potentially eight more recruits.

Mason Burstow’s arrival at Hillsborough last week marked the 12th addition for Henrik Pedersen’s side, reinforcing a squad that already looks strong for its League One return.

Midfield remains a priority. Barry Bannan, Billy Mitchell and Callum Slattery sit ahead of the striker, while only Jarvis Thornton provides a reserve option in the pivot roles.

Tyler Onyango spent the past week on trial, coming on at half‑time to replace Mitchell in a 4‑0 pre‑season loss to Oldham Athletic during Wednesday’s final friendly on Saturday.

The 23‑year‑old progressed through Everton’s academy as a midfielder but can also operate as a centre‑back in a back three or on the right, offering the versatility needed for a 46‑game season. Simon Wilson, the club’s sporting director, previously signed him on loan from Everton for two summer windows while at Stockport County, but hamstring injuries limited him to 23 appearances across both spells.

Fans expressed mixed feelings: one complained, “Going from thinking we are signing Dobson to signing him is shocking,” while others saw Onyango as a low‑risk, cheap squad player who could fill a depth role behind established first‑teamers.

If he remains fit, Onyango could become an unsung hero at Hillsborough, providing valuable cover and potentially helping Henrik Pedersen’s Owls secure a longer stay in League One.