The transfer window is coming to an end, but for several players, the hunt for a new club is continuing – including for a former Ipswich Town and Sunderland ace.
The PFA free agent squad offers those without teams the opportunity to get a pre-season and prepare for the challenges that await them in the new campaign, with some having more success than others do.
Britt Assombalonga is working with the PFA as he looks to get back into the game following a stint in Turkiye, while the likes of Fabio Borini, Rolando Aarons and Tyreece John-Jules are also looking for a new club.
Nevertheless, those associated with the Black Cats and Ipswich may be keeping a keen eye on one player’s movements in the coming weeks.
Former Ipswich Town striker Connor Wickham training with the PFA free agent squad
Connor Wickham has been without a club for the last year since leaving Charlton Athletic, having signed for the Addicks on a short-term deal at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.
Connor Wickham of Charlton Athletic during the Sky Bet League One match between Charlton Athletic and Shrewsbury Town
Photo by James Baylis – AMA/Getty Images
He made four appearances for the current Championship side as they avoided relegation in League One with a strong end to the season under Nathan Jones. However, he has been looking for a new home ever since.
The 32-year-old is now training with the PFA free agent squad as he looks to build his fitness in a bid to find a new team, having previously played for the likes of Sunderland, Ipswich and Crystal Palace.
Wickham has 120 Premier League appearances to his name, scoring 19 goals, while he has also played 113 times in the Championship, finding the back of the net on 25 occasions.
Connor Wickham has struggled with injury throughout his career
While he has had some excellent moments throughout his career, there has been one problem that has plagued him for a number of years and a variety of clubs.
Injuries have stopped Wickham from reaching his full potential, and those flickers of brilliance have often left managers wanting more – including Alan Pardew when the forward was a Crystal Palace player.
Connor Wickham of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace
Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images
Back in March 2016, the then 22-year-old suffered another blow, leaving his former boss frustrated. Pardew said (via: TNT Sports): “Connor has done terrific, unfortunately he has got a knock and he will have a scan, that he picked up in the game.
“We thought it might just be a bang but it could be more serious than that, he is probably touch and go for Sunday. The four goals he got were fabulous, he showed his technique is sound, left foot, right foot, pace, holding up, he’s got it all there, but he’s had a fragmented season.
“If he misses out on Sunday, this is the type of situation we’ve got to address next year, where he can play week-in, week-out. If he misses this Sunday, it is a blow to us but for his part, he has been terrific. It looks good going forward; he is only 22.”