Sheffield Wednesday have 12 players to decide the futures of in the coming weeks.
Sheffield Wednesday‘s summer looked a lot brighter when they confirmed their survival with a 2-0 win over Sunderland on the final day of the season.
Avoiding defeat means that the Owls will play in the Championship next term, despite sitting seven points adrift when Danny Rohl took over in October.
It is a huge relief for the club and fans, and it now means Wednesday can turn their attention to the long list of players whose contracts will expire next month.
It is believed that Callum Paterson and Reece James both have options of a further year in their deals, while Lee Gregory has already announced his departure.
The Owls will be boosted by their survival in a bid to keep hold some of their key players, while others could still be on their way out.
Here is our prediction for who stays and who goes this summer…
Sheffield Wednesday out of contract stars: stay or go?
Barry Bannan
Barry Bannan has long made it clear that he wishes to stay at Sheffield Wednesday for a tenth season, while reports had previously claimed he would remain at Hillsborough no matter what division they were in.
Following the weekend’s win, the captain admitted it was highly likely that he would extend his contract at the club. Verdict: New contract
Josh Windass
Josh Windass’ future remained in doubt after struggling with injuries this season, but his return to the side had a hugely positive impact on their survival hopes.
The 30-year-old netted in each of Wednesday’s final three games, continuing his role as the man for big games.
The club have reportedly already opened talks with Windass, with his importance made very clear recently. Verdict: New contract
Will Vaulks
Will Vaulks waslinked with a move away in January, but ended up staying at Hillsborough.
The midfielder has ended up being vital to Wednesday’s upturn in form recently, particularly impressing with his brace of assists in the 2-2 draw against Norwich.
With the Owls’ lack of depth in midfield, it would be a surprise to see him go. Verdict: New contract
Di’Shon Bernard
Di’Shon Bernard only joined the club from Manchester United last summer, signing a one-year contract.
The defender has been ‘superb’ under Danny Rohl and is one of the most promising players, having only turned 23 in October.
There is likely to be interest in Bernard this summer, but Wednesday would do well to keep him of him. Verdict: New contract
Dominic Iorfa
Dominic Iorfa has previously admitted thathe is ‘happy’ at Wednesday, having been key to their promotion last season.
The defender has only started six of their last 13 games in the Championship, but his versatility across the backline has proven handy.
While Rohl may look to strengthen his defence, the experience and leadership of Iorfa could be important next term. Verdict: New contract
Cameron Dawson
Cameron Dawson’s eleven-year spell in the senior team has been up and down, having really struggled to nail down a regular place in the starting line-up.
James Beadle will return to Brighton this summer, but Dawson has still been tipped to leave his boyhood club.
The 28-year-old isn’t really good enough to be named Wednesday’s No.1 next term and could be moved on. Verdict: Released
Liam Palmer
Liam Palmer was another namelinked with a move to the MLS earlier this year, but ended up remaining in his hometown.
The defender is approaching his 33rd birthday this year, but that hasn’t stopped him from being key to the club’s recent success.
Palmer started Wednesday’s final six matches of the campaign, keeping three clean sheets.
He has also played in five different positions this season, with his versatility proving vital following a number of injuries.
Palmer has surely earned himself a new deal, though there is no doubt he will be closing in on the end of his time at the club. Verdict: One-year deal
Marvin Johnson
Marvin Johnson came close to a£1 million move to Ipswich Town in January, meaning he could well have been playing Premier League football next season.
The 33-year-old failed to make an appearance under Xisco Munoz, but was brought back in by Rohl and has since been‘fantastic’ – picking up eight goal contributions.
Johnson can certainly continue to have a positive impact on the team, while there will surely be a number of teams eager to snap him up on a free transfer. Verdict: New contract
George Byers
Despite making 17 starts in the first half of the season, George Byers was surprisingly sent out on loan to League One in January.
The midfielder has been important for Blackpool in the second half of the season and could well look to bring him in for free.
Wednesday’s squad depth is a concern, but if Rohl is promised a decent transfer kitty then they could probably bring in some quality alternatives. Verdict: Released
Ciaran Brennan
Ciaran Brennan has 18 appearances to his name for Sheffield Wednesday, but looks extremely unlikely to earn another.
The centre-back was sent out on loan to Hartlepool United last season and it was expected that he wouldn’t return to Middlewood Road, having failed to make an appearance since January 2022. Verdict: Released
Callum Paterson
According to The Star, Sheffield Wednesday have the option of a further year in Callum Paterson’s contract.
The 29-year-old has struggled with injuries this season, but is another whose versatility has been very important.
Paterson has played in defence, on the wing, in midfield and up front for the Owls this season.
His future could be a tough call as he continues to rake in around £15,000-per-week at the club. Verdict: One-year extension
Reece James
Reece James was an important cog in Wednesday’s promotion last term, but has failed to get near the team this time round.
The 30-year-old has made three starts in the Championship and hasn’t featured for only eight minutes since November.
It would be a huge surprise to see James still at Wednesday beyond this summer. Verdict: Released
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