12 Sheffield Wednesday contract decisions as Danny Rohl plans for next season

Avoiding defeat means the Owls will play in the Championship next season, despite being seven points adrift when Danny Rohl took charge in October.

It’s a huge relief for the club and the fans, and it now means Wednesday can turn its attention to the long list of players whose contracts expire next month.

Callum Paterson and Reece James are both believed to have one-year options on their deals, while Lee Gregory has already announced his departure.

The Owls will be boosted by their survival as they try to hold on to some of their key players, while others could still be on the way out.

Here’s our prediction for who stays and who goes this summer…

Sheffield Wednesday stars out of contract: stay or go?

Barry Bannon

Barry Bannan has long made it clear he wants to stay at Sheffield Wednesday for a tenth season, while reports previously claimed he would stay at Hillsborough regardless of their division.

After the win at the weekend, the captain admitted that he was very likely to extend his contract at the club. Verdict: new contract

Josh Windass

Josh Windass’ future has been in doubt after struggling with injuries this season, but his return to the squad has had a hugely positive impact on their survival hopes.

The 30-year-old has scored in each of Wednesday’s last three games, continuing his role as the man for the big games.

The club have reportedly already opened talks with Windass, with his importance recently made clear. Verdict: new contract

Will Vaulks

Will Vaulks was linked with a move in January but ended up staying at Hillsborough.

The midfielder has been instrumental in Wednesday’s upturn in form recently, particularly impressing with a number of assists in the 2-2 draw against Norwich.

Given the Owls’ lack of midfield depth, 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 deal.

The defender has been “superb” under Danny Rohl and is one of the most promising players, having only turned 23 in October.

There will likely be interest in Bernard this summer, but Wednesday would do well to keep him away. Verdict: new contract

Dominic Iorfa

Dominic Iorfa previously admitted he was “happy” at Wednesday being key to their promotion last season.

The defender has started just six of the last 13 league games but his versatility at the back has proved useful.

While Rohl may look to shore up his defense, Iorfa’s experience and leadership could be important down the stretch. Verdict: new contract

Cameron Dawson

Cameron Dawson’s eleven-year spell in the senior team has been up and down, even struggling for a regular place in the starting line-up.

James Beadle will return to Brighton this summer, but Dawson has been tipped to leave his boyhood club nonetheless.

The 28-year-old is not good enough to be named Wednesday’s No.1 next term and could be moved on. Verdict: acquitted

Liam Palmer

Liam Palmer was another name linked with a move to MLS earlier this year but ended up staying 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 the final six games of the campaign on Wednesday, keeping three clean sheets.

He has also played in five different positions this season, his versatility proving vital after a string of injuries.

Palmer has certainly earned himself a new deal, although there is no doubt he will be nearing the end of his time at the club. Verdict: One-year deal

Marvin Johnson

Marvin Johnson came close to a £1million move to Ipswich Town in January, meaning he could very well be playing Premier League football next season.

The 33-year-old failed to make an appearance under Xisco Munoz but was brought back by Rohl and has been “fantastic” ever since – claiming eight goals.

Johnson can continue to have a positive impact on the team, while there will certainly be a number of teams eager to land him 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 they could look to bring him in on a free.

The depth of Wednesday’s squad is a concern, but if Rohl is promised a decent transfer kitty then he could probably bring in some quality alternatives. Verdict: acquitted

Ciaran Brennan

Ciaran Brennan has 18 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday but looks extremely unlikely to win another.

The centre-back was sent out on loan to Hartlepool United last season and was expected not to return to Middlewood Road, failing to feature from January 2022. Verdict: acquitted

Callum Paterson

According to The Star, Sheffield Wednesday have the option of another year on 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, wing, midfield and forward for the Owls this season.

His future could be a tough call as he continues to earn around £15,000 a week at the club. Verdict: one year extension

Reece James

Reece James was a big part of Wednesday’s promotion last term but failed to get close to the team this time around.

The 30-year-old has made three league starts and has not played for just eight minutes since November.

It would be a huge surprise to see James again on Wednesday after this summer. Verdict: acquitted

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