Owls Identify Derby Midfielder as Next Loan Target

Sheffield Wednesday Prepare for Fifth January Loan Signing

Sheffield Wednesday have turned their attention to Derby County midfielder Liam Thompson, and are reported to be exploring the option of a loan deal as per ‘StarterForTen’ on the Derby forum.

The 23-year-old Rams youth product has made 16 Championship appearances for his boyhood club this season, scoring one goal. He would become Derby’s fifth loan signing of the winter transfer window.

Restricted to completing free or loan signings only, due to their transfer embargo, the Owls have already brought in the likes of Jaden Heskey, Jerry Yates, and Tayo Adaramola this January. Despite their relegation to League One all but officially confirmed, Wednesday are still looking to bolster their squad depth.

A Man Who Has Played These Games Before

The 23-year-old has made 123 senior appearances for the Rams, 67 of those coming in the Championship. Thompson broke through as a result of Derby’s own troubles in the 2021/22 campaign, so he already has experience playing for a side that has been hit with a double-figure points deduction.

Thompson agreed a new contract with Derby last summer, which will see him stay in Derbyshire until 2027. The former Scunthorpe loanee was benched against Bristol City last weekend and was an unused substitute for the first time since November amid rumours of a temporary departure.

It looks like one of the teams that are interested in signing Thompson on loan is Sheffield Wednesday. #dcfc #dcfcfans

Source: [ ‘StarterForTen’ on the forum] https://t.co/4PL0S0jdjN

— The South Stand (@TheSouth_Stand) February 1, 2026

The 2002-born talent is guaranteed to start at Sheffield Wednesday, but will face competition from Heskey and Svante Ingelsson. Coincidentally, his single goal this season came against Wednesday in a 3-0 win last December.

Derby will not be prepared for Thompson to leave permanently, the central midfielder doesn’t exactly sound willing to leave either, stating last summer that “It (Derby) is home and the club I love. This is where I want to play my football, and the gaffer has been incredible since he came in with everyone.”