Sheffield Wednesday are poised to lose academy talent Sutura Kakay, with Southampton leading the chase for his signature.
Sheffield Wednesday are facing a period of significant uncertainty, with the club in danger of losing several players amid ongoing financial troubles. Some first-team players have issued formal notices after not being paid for two consecutive months, giving the club 15 days to settle their wages or risk losing them for free.
Among those affected is Josh Windass, last season’s top scorer, who has reportedly handed in his notice, according to GiveMeSport. Meanwhile, Barry Bannan, Akin Famewo, and Callum Paterson—three players offered new deals after the season ended—are now officially free agents. Paterson is confirmed to be leaving after rejecting Wednesday’s offer, with no further negotiations held since, reports The Star.
The situation extends to the academy as well. Rising talent Sutura Kakay has rejected a professional contract from the club and is being pursued by multiple sides, with Southampton currently leading the race, according to The Star. Kakay, an 18-year-old midfielder, trained with the first team under Danny Rohl last season and was one of four youth players offered deals—he is now the only one expected to leave.
Although Wednesday will receive training compensation from Kakay’s next club, the amount could either be agreed mutually or decided by tribunal. While losing such a promising youngster is disappointing, the club may view it as a small financial gain during a difficult time.
Wednesday are also expected to receive £1.5 million from the sale of another young player, Caelan-Kole Cadamarteri, to Manchester City. In contrast, Southampton’s move for Kakay is being seen as a clever one—capitalizing on a troubled club’s misfortune to secure an emerging talent.
With Sheffield Wednesday struggling financially, clubs like Southampton are well positioned to take advantage of the situation—highlighting just how ruthless the football business can be.
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