Carlton Palmer thinks Sheffield Wednesday could look to offload one of their most ‘vital’ players this summer due to his ‘huge salary’.
Sheffield Wednesday are only weeks away from discovering their long-awaited fate in the Championship.
Their full focus under Danny Rohl has been picking up points and looking to their end goal of avoiding relegation.
However, fans and players are well aware of their looming contract problem, with double figures potentially set to leave Hillsborough on free transfers this summer.
The Owls are yet to open talks with their players over extending their contracts, meaning the likes of Barry Bannan, Di’Shon Bernard and Josh Windass could all be on their way out.
It was previously reported that Bannan would put pen to paper on a new deal no matter what league they are in, but a recent interview suggested that he is yet to discuss his future with the club.
Fans will be gutted to see ‘vital’ star leave this summer
While the captain has proven himself as a ‘vital’ player to Wednesday, former Owls midfielder Carlton Palmer doesn’t think he will be offered a new contract – especially if they are relegated.
Speaking to Football League World, he said: “I think this is understandable that Sheffield Wednesday have not begun talks yet because they need to know which league they’re in.
“Barry is coming into the twilight of his game, he’s been very instrumental for Sheffield Wednesday.
“He’s been a magnificent servant to the club and he’s out of contract at the end of the season.
“Like I said, I think they’re going to have to decide. I don’t think they’re going to want to keep Bannan if they are in League One on the type of money that he earns.
“He’s on a huge salary. Okay, it’s a salary that can be paid in the Championship, but at 34 he hasn’t been as instrumental in the Championship as he was in League One.
“Sheffield Wednesday may be looking at the fact if they’re looking to push on next season, they might need more legs in the middle of the park with Barry getting into the twilight of his career.”
Would Sheffield Wednesday want to keep him?
Barry Bannan is reportedly raking in around £24,000-per-week at Sheffield Wednesday – almost £10k more than a number of their first team players.
While the Owls certainly wouldn’t want to be coughing up that kind of cash in League One, it would be surprising if the midfielder wasn’t willing to take a pay cut.
Bannan has made it clear that he wants to stay at Hillsborough and may well struggle to find another Championship club willing to pay him that much anyway.
While he is turning 35 years old this year, Bannan has been very important this season and could surely still be worth another year contract – no matter what league they are in.
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