Chris Wilder breaks silence on surprise Josh Windass, Sheffield Wednesday news

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has addressed reports that former Sheffield Wednesday star Josh Windass was the subject of surprise transfer discussions involving a move across the city divide.

Windass played a crucial role for Wednesday last season, registering 13 goals and five assists in 44 Championship matches to help the club secure a solid mid-table finish under Danny Röhl. Despite his strong ties to the Owls—and family history linking both Sheffield clubs through his father, Dean Windass—the 32-year-old opted against a controversial switch, choosing instead to join Wrexham in North Wales last summer.

Wilder, now in his third spell at Bramall Lane, was not in charge when those talks reportedly took place, as Sheffield United began the campaign under Rubén Sellés before turning back to Wilder following a poor start.

Reflecting on the situation, Wilder admitted Windass was a player of interest. He revealed there had even been a lighthearted image circulating of Windass in a Sheffield United shirt, joking it may have been his father’s doing. While acknowledging the forward’s quality and big-game impact for Wednesday, Wilder noted that cross-city transfers, though rare, are not unheard of—but emphasized that Windass is now firmly a Wrexham player.

Windass remains a fan favorite at Hillsborough, particularly remembered for his dramatic winner in the 2023 League One play-off final against Barnsley. However, a direct move to Sheffield United could have damaged that legacy, especially given Wednesday’s financial struggles under former owner Dejphon Chansiri.

Reports indicate exploratory talks did take place last summer, but no deal materialized. Instead, Windass has continued his impressive form at Wrexham, helping fuel their remarkable rise through the leagues, with the club now pushing for another promotion.

Meanwhile, Sheffield United’s inconsistent attacking options this season have hindered their push for a top-six finish. Aside from Patrick Bamford’s late arrival, the Blades have lacked reliability up front—something a player like Windass might have helped address had the move gone through.