Sheffield Wednesday centre-back Di’Shon Bernard faces an uncertain summer ahead.
Di’Shon Bernard, 23, sees his Sheffield Wednesday contract expire at the end of this month, following an impressive maiden season at Hillsborough.
The former Manchester United centre-back became a well-liked name among fans following his strong performances in defence.
He featured 34 times in the Championship, showing his qualities as an athletic defender who can win battles on the ground and in the air.
Bernard ended the season with the second-most clearances-per-game at Sheffield Wednesday (3, behind Michael Ihiekwe on 4), and the fourth-most tackles-per-game (1.5), as per Sofascore.
Fans are desperate to see Bernard sign a new contract with an offer on the table, per the club’s retained list which was released in May.
But Bernard may well, technically, become a free agent whilst away on international duty with Jamaica this summer.
Joe Crann on Di’Shon Bernard future at Sheffield Wednesday
Posting on X, Crann discussed Bernard’s future in S6, revealing that the defender could technically become a free agent whilst away on international duty.
Jamaica play in the Copa America this summer with the Reggae Boys playing their first group game against Mexico on June 23rd.
But by the time Jamaica play their third group game against Venezuela on July 1st, Bernard could be a free agent.
Crann adds that ‘hopefully Wednesday can make sure that isn’t the case’.
The problem Sheffield Wednesday face with Di’Shon Bernard
It’s been the case all along that Sheffield Wednesday wanted to keep Bernard beyond this season; it was revealed previously that Danny Rohl was desperate for him to stay.
And regardless of whether or not Bernard wants to stay, him being away on international duty certainly makes matters difficult for Sheffield Wednesday.
The club can’t really expect him to commit his future to the club whilst playing in a major tournament. And at the same time, if he does technically become a free agent, he’ll surely be swarmed with offers.
That’s if he isn’t already; there’s been previous reports of widespread interest in Bernard from the Championship and from Europe, which will come as no surprise to Sheffield Wednesday fans.
He’s still a young player and he showed his class on both the club and international stage during the 2023/24 campaign.
If Wednesday can keep him, and ideally on a long-term deal, they’ll not only be keeping a key player but they’ll also have a very valuable asset within their ranks.
Copa America certainly puts a bit of a spanner in the works, but there’s still plenty of hope that Sheffield Wednesday can get a new deal for Bernard over the line this summer.
The post 'As things stand...': Journalist comments on Di'Shon Bernard's Sheffield Wednesday future ahead of Copa America appeared first on Sheffield Wednesday News.