Sheffield Wednesday centre-back Di’Shon Bernard sees his deal expire this summer after a strong campaign at Hillsborough.
Sheffield Wednesday only signed Bernard on a free transfer in the early stages of the 2023/24 season but having only penned a short-term deal, he could be on the move this summer.
The Star reports that Bernard does have interest from elsewhere, including other Championship clubs. The Owls are understandably keen to keep him though after a strong season at Hillsborough.
As his deal nears expiry though and clubs queue up, Wednesday would be wise to at least consider some potential targets in case he was to move on.
With that said, here are three Bernard replacements Sheffield Wednesday should keep in mind…
Josh Knight – Peterborough United
Knight has been offered a new contract by Peterborough United but he’s sure to have Championship admirers, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if that tempted him to move on from London Road.
Sheffield Wednesday should be among those keen on the centre-back, who can comfortably operate in a back three or four. He has also been deployed in defensive midfield and at right-back before, so he’d bring Danny Rohl some versatility and flexibility.
Knight stood out in the Posh backline over the 2023/24 campaign and has earned a shot at second-tier football once again.
Antonios Papadopoulos – Borussia Dortmund
A bit more of a left-field suggestion, but one that could see Rohl put his German links to use.
24-year-old Papadopoulos has played much of his football with Borussia Dortmund II but he has also tasted Bundesliga action with their first-team, playing eight times for the German giants.
He looks primed and ready to kick on away from Dortmund as his deal winds down and shouldn’t be short of suitors. Having tested himself in the Bundesliga, a move to the Championship with a German coaching team like Sheffield Wednesday could be ideal as he prepares to take his next step.
