Malik Wilks is a polarising figure in League One. Two hugely successful seasons at
this level combined with short flirts with the Championship.
In 2018-19, the player netted 16 times on a play-off run with Doncaster Rovers. The
season got him a move to then Championship Barnsley, Wilks managed just 16
appearances.
In 2020-21, the forward scored 22 time as he powered Hull City out of the division
yet again couldn’t regain form in the league above.
26-year-old Wilks is coming off the back of a decent loan spell at Rotherham United,
where he netted 10 goals. Sheffield Wednesday have made it clear that the forward
is available as they will not renew his contract, and all signs point to a return down a
division.
So, with that in mind, where in League One could Wilks end up that could bring him
back to his best?
Doncaster Rovers
Off the bat, the most obvious place to start is Doncaster Rovers.
Rovers swooped in and won League Two last campaign and will be looking to
strengthen in all areas for the upcoming season.
Boss Grant McCann was also Wilk’s boss when the forward first tasted success back
in 2018-19.
Despite resigning Billy Sharp to a one-year-deal, Rovers are still shortchanged when
it comes to front men and Wilks could add some much-needed depth in that position,
and experience at this level.
A move here would likely be a good chance for the 26-year-old to win a starting spot
in an environment he is comfortable with, giving him the best chance to recapture his
old form.
Whilst staying in South Yorkshire seems like a strong option for the forward,
Doncaster are said to not actively be pursuing the player at this time, but as we
know, things move fast in the EFL.
Barnsley
Sticking with South Yorkshire theme, another of Wilk’s former sides could be open to
his return.
Conor Hourihane is entering his first full season as Tykes boss and will be in need of
cheaper reinforcements, with the club stating finances towards transfers will be
limited.
Up top, Barnsley have Davis Keillor-Dunn, who netted 18 times last season. Despite
having a top marksman in place, the Tykes are short when it comes to other options,
with Sam Cosgrove leaving the clubs, and Stephen Humphrys appearing to look to
play elsewhere.
Wilks presents an option that comes with pedigree at the level, someone who is
versatile, can drop out into wide positions, or simply play backup to Keillor-Dunn,
seizing an out-of-form opportunities.
Wage would more than likely be an issue with this move, but should the window
progress and Wilks be without a club, it’s one that could end up making sense for all
parties.
Burton Albion
Burton Albion represents a different option for Wilks but one that could really allow
him to score freely.
Gary Bowyer has transformed the Brewers since he joined the side in December of
last year, ditching complicated tactics and creating a team that is hard to beat, and
takes its chances.
The culmination of changes made, allowed Burton to stay up in League One after
things looked bleak when Bowyer joined the club.
Since the season ended, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, who joined the club in January and
netted five crucial goals, has left the club to return to his native Iceland.
This leaves Burton a man short up top, and Wilks could fill the bill and then some.
Both Wilks and Bodvarsson stand to the same stature and whilst the Icelandic is
more of an out and out striker than Wilks, the player could easily excel in the same
role.
At Rotherham, the 26-year-old really transitioned into a striker that could hold the ball
up and score goals, at Burton, alongside Roman Burell, Wilks could continue this
journey and help the Brewers up the table
