“I think he’ll do a decent enough job for Wednesday, as he did with us, but I don’t think he’ll ever really stand out”- Pundit issues Max Lowe Sheffield Wednesday verdict as he raises doubt over player’s ability to stand out

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Eyebrows were raised earlier this month when it was announced that Max Lowe would join Sheffield Wednesday on a free transfer.

Lowe had spent the last four years at the Owls’ bitter rivals Sheffield United, so to see the 27-year-old complete a move to Hillsborough ensured fans on both sides of the divide were somewhat taken aback.

It’s not very often you see players play for both Sheffield clubs, particularly moving from one to the other like Lowe has, and he is set to become just the 35th player to have represented the two clubs in the Steel City.

Having been in separate divisions since the 2018/19 campaign, the two sides are set to meet again this coming season, and you can guarantee that Lowe will receive a frosty reception at Bramall Lane.

FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit, Owain Wyse, believes that Lowe’s move across the city makes sense, although it is slightly surprising to see the defender make a direct move between the two clubs.

Speaking to Football League World, Owain said: “From a purely footballing perspective, I’m not surprised that Lowe has ended up at Wednesday.

“They are at the right level for him, and they play a system that will suit him.

“Not too many players play for both clubs in the city, especially not going directly between the two clubs, so from that point of view it is surprising, but the transfer makes sense from a football standpoint.

“I’ve never been particularly convinced by Lowe, ever since we signed him he flipped between quite poor and very average.

“The 2022/23 Championship season was his best for us, Heckingbottom’s system and a good side got something out of him. But even then, he was often the weak link.

“I think he’ll do a decent enough job for Wednesday, as he did with us, but I don’t think he’ll ever really stand out.”

As Owain pointed out above, Lowe hardly set the world alight at Bramall Lane, hence being released at the end of the season, and he’ll have a point to prove on the blue half of Sheffield.

After joining from Derby County in September 2020, Lowe made just 53 appearances in four years, with injuries hampering his time at the Blades, and his time with the club was somewhat underwhelming.

He made just ten Premier League appearances last season as the Blades were relegated to the Championship, finishing bottom of the Premier League, and the writing was on the wall that he’d be released by Chris Wilder.

However, a move to the north of the city could reignite his career, and he’ll be looking to make a bigger impact at Hillsborough than he did at Bramall Lane.

Whilst a move to Wednesday may seem strange on the face of it, there are definitely benefits for the player, namely he doesn’t have to move house, which could be an important factor if he feels settled in the city.

A new club and a fresh start is exactly what Lowe needed this summer, and he’ll be looking to prove a point to his former club in the coming months.