Sheffield Wednesday have seen a move for Aston Villa youngster Tommi O’Reilly fall apart, amid reports last week that a deal was close. SWFC have already added nine new signings to their squad this summer ahead of their League One return.
However, one player who won’t be heading to Hillsborough is young Premier League midfielder O’Reilly. The decision was made not to seal the move following discussions, and Jacob Tanswell now states fellow third tier side Notts County have entered the race for the 22-year-old.
The Magpies were promoted from League Two via the play-offs last season and are looking to assemble a squad good enough to see them compete in the division above.
O’Reilly has spent time away from Aston Villa on four separate loan spells with varying success. He impressed in the fourth tier with Crewe Alexandra and now faces the step up, but not with Sheffield Wednesday.
What next for Tommi O’Reilly after Sheffield Wednesday transfer snub?
The Owls were previously expected to secure O’Reilly’s services, having struck up a connection with the Villans over this summer window so far. Of their nine aforementioned signings made across this window, two have come directly from Villa Park: Louie Barry and Sil Swinkels.
It has been thought that O’Reilly would be the next through the door, though attentions will now turn elsewhere for Henrik Pedersen.
Notts County now appear at the front of the queue to secure a loan deal for the highly sought after creator. Martin Paterson’s side have added eight new signings to their League One squad, though are keen to strengthen their options in the final third.
Forwards Emile Acquah, Luka Smyth and Callum Roberts have all joined the club, adding to the likes of Alassana Jatta, Mai Traore and Lee Ndlovu, who aided NCFC in netting 74 goals in League Two last term, the joint-second most in the division.
The Verdict: A deserved step to League One for Tommi O’Reilly
22-year-old O’Reilly has already spent time away from Aston Villa on a number of loan moves. He spent time in Spain with Real Union in 2023/24, before joining Shrewsbury Town in League One in 2024.
He only managed 18 appearances in half a season with the Shrews, creating three assists, before moving to MK Dons for the remainder of the campaign, where only scored once in 16 games.
However, last season was the campaign that has caught the eye of League One suitors, with O’Reilly being a standout performer for Crewe Alexandra.
Tommi O’Reilly’s Crewe Alexandra stats
Notts County will be hopeful that they can see a healthy return from the attacking midfielder in the third tier next season.
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