West Brom and Sheffield Wednesday set for free agent battle | OneFootball

West Brom and Sheffield Wednesday are both in the hunt for the signing of a free agent star from France

Highlights

West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield Wednesday are reportedly both in the race to sign Mickaël Nadé this summer following his Saint-Étienne exit.

According to French outlet L’Equipe, the two Championship sides are interested in making a move for the centre-back.

The 25-year-old is currently available as a free agent following the end of his contract with the Ligue 1 side.

Saint-Étienne gained promotion to the top flight last season but have been unable to agree terms on a new deal with the Frenchman.

Nadé made 23 appearances in the second division last year, as the team earned promotion with a third place finish in the table (all stats from Fbref).

Sheffield Wednesday and West Brom eye defender

Sheffield Wednesday and West Brom are both in the hunt to sign Nadé in the event that he does not renew terms with his old club.

It is believed that Saint-Étienne have not given up their pursuit of agreeing a new deal with the defender.

The French club are hoping that he can continue to be an important part of the first team squad, having helped them gain promotion back to the top flight last season.

He is seen as a crucial part of their plans for life in Ligue 1, but he is now also attracting suitors from English football.

West Brom and Sheffield Wednesday have both been mentioned as potential next destinations, as they look to strengthen their defensive options for the upcoming campaign.

Carlos Corberan will be hoping to build a team capable of competing for Premier League promotion again next year, having missed out on a top-flight return with a play-off semi-final loss to Southampton.

Meanwhile, the Owls are looking to improve on their 20th-place finish in the table, with Danny Rohl setting his sights on a push for a place in the top half of the standings in 2025.

The arrival of Nadé this summer could help both clubs with those ambitions in what is likely to be a very competitive Championship.

Sheffield Wednesday and West Brom’s summer business so far

West Brom have already added the likes of Joe Wildsmith, Ousmane Diakité, and Torbjorn Heggem to the squad this summer.

While Sheffield Wednesday have signed eight fresh faces to Rohl’s side for the new campaign.

This includes Olaf Kobacki, Max Lowe, Jamal Lowe, Svante Ingelsson, Ben Hamer, Yan Valery, Charlie McNeill, and the re-signing of James Beadle on loan from Brighton.

Clubs have until 30 August to complete any potential deals, but a free agent signing can be registered to the squad beyond this deadline.

Mickaël Nadé signing could be a smart move

Nadé was a key part of Saint-Étienne’s side last season, helping them gain promotion from Ligue 2.

That experience could be a great asset to bring into either West Brom or Sheffield Wednesday’s squad next season.

Given he’d be a free agent signing, this could prove a very smart way to improve their defensive options.

The 25-year-old is coming into his prime years, and the possibility of bringing someone of his quality in for such a low transfer could prove very smart business if he can make a smooth transition to English football.