Sheffield Wednesday considering late transfer move to replace Yisa Alao
Sheffield Wednesday are reportedly preparing a last-minute move before the January transfer deadline as they look to secure an immediate replacement for Yisa Alao, following his recent switch to Premier League giants Chelsea.
It has been a deeply difficult period for the Owls, with the club enduring a turbulent January marked by off-field issues and an increasingly bleak Championship outlook after entering administration. Matters were made even more painful by the departure of long-serving captain and club icon Barry Bannan, who has completed a move to Millwall.
Bannan, who spent more than a decade at Hillsborough and became a central figure both on and off the pitch, said an emotional goodbye to supporters during the weekend. His exit symbolised the challenging situation facing Sheffield Wednesday, as one of their most influential leaders heads elsewhere at a critical moment.
Manager Henrik Pedersen paid tribute to the midfielder after his departure, describing the farewell as deeply emotional for everyone involved. He admitted that losing Bannan would be difficult not only from a footballing perspective, but also on a personal level, highlighting his importance as a captain, teammate, and friend. However, Pedersen also stressed his belief in the remaining squad, pointing to a group of young, determined players who are committed to giving everything for the club despite the adversity they face.
Bannan is not the only key figure to leave this month. Defender Yisa Alao has already completed his move to Chelsea, while Harry Amass returned to Manchester United before joining Norwich City on loan. These exits have left Sheffield Wednesday with an already thin squad stretched even further as the season reaches a crucial stage.
Despite these setbacks, the transfer window remains open, giving the Owls a small opportunity to strengthen before the deadline. That opening could allow the club to bring in another promising young talent from the Premier League to help plug the gaps left by recent departures.
According to The Star’s Joe Crann, Sheffield Wednesday are now exploring the possibility of signing Manchester City youngster Stephen Mfuni on loan for the remainder of the season. The 17-year-old defender is capable of operating at both left-back and centre-back, making him a natural short-term replacement for Alao.
Manchester City are said to be open to allowing Mfuni to gain senior experience elsewhere, and Sheffield Wednesday are among several clubs monitoring the situation closely as they attempt to finalise a deal before the window closes.
Mfuni is already highly regarded within City’s setup and has caught the attention of Pep Guardiola, who handed the teenager his senior debut in the FA Cup clash against Exeter City earlier this month. His rapid development and versatility have made him an appealing option for clubs seeking young defensive reinforcements.
The defender has previously spoken about his ambitions and the players he looks up to, revealing that he models aspects of his game on elite defenders such as Virgil van Dijk, Josko Gvardiol, and John Stones. He highlighted their positional flexibility, defensive strength, and comfort on the ball as qualities he aims to replicate.
A move to Sheffield Wednesday could represent an important next step in Mfuni’s development, offering him regular first-team football while helping the Owls navigate an increasingly challenging period.
