With 2025 just around the corner, Sheffield Wednesday are currently set to lose a big portion of their squad during the upcoming year.
Optimism is higher around Hillsborough at the moment. The club has just emerged victorious against Hull City which has put the Owls just five points off the play-offs.
While it might seem a steep feat, recent performances from some members of Danny Rohl’s squad have shown this is more than possible to get into the top six if they find some consistency.
However, for many of Sheffield Wednesday’s first-team players, their long-term future is doubtful.
As it stands, 11 Owls players are set to leave the club in the summer either when their contract expires or their loan deal is completed.
Therefore, Sheffield Wednesday News has listed each player below and what the latest news is on a possible new contract.
Anthony Musaba
Despite being a vital player in the 2023/24 campaign for the Owls, Anthony Musaba has struggled to hit his previous heights this season.
The Dutchman has consistently failed to find the net, with the loss of his clinical touch a big blow.
Sheffield Wednesday fans have recently labelled Musaba as ‘frustrating’ due to his inability to score.
As a result of his form, little has been said about a new contract so far this season.
Callum Paterson
Callum Paterson has been a frustrated figure around Hillsborough this season. The attacker has been out of favour and has struggled for minutes on the pitch.
In October, Paterson spoke of his frustration with his lack of game time with the 30-year-old only making five Championship appearances this season.
Given his lack of game time, the attacker seems unlikely to sign a new deal with the Owls.
Therefore, it seems realistic that Sheffield Wednesday may look to sell Paterson in January.
Akin Famewo
Compared to last season, Akin Famewo has massively improved. The centre-back has felt like a completely new player after considerably upping his game.
Unfortunately, Famewo has been injured in recent times which has limited his game time.
However, Rohl has been impressed with the defender with Wednesday aiming to hand Famewo a new contract as a result.
Marvin Johnson
A regular for Wednesday, Marvin Johnson has been described as ‘undroppable’ for Rohl’s side.
The 33-year-old has been a mainstay at Sheffield Wednesday since 2021 and has made well over 100 appearances at the Owls.
However, while there have been no reports on a deal for the defender, Johnson has confirmed that he is ‘open’ to a new contract.
Pierce Charles
Pierce Charles is seen as a massive upcoming product in Sheffield Wednesday’s academy. The goalkeeper has been given numerous cup appearances where he has impressed.
Against Brentford, Charles was seen as the man of the match, as the Owls were knocked out on penalties.
Recently, Rohl claimed that Charles was the future of Sheffield Wednesday with the ‘keeper having huge potential.
However, the last heard about a new deal was in April when it was reported that contract talks had stalled between Sheffield Wednesday and Charles.
James Beadle
Another goalkeeper, James Beadle rejoined the Owls in the summer after a successful loan spell last season.
The youngster is on another short-term deal with Wednesday and will return to his parent club Brighton in the summer.
It is believed that Rohl’s side does not have the option to buy the ‘keeper meaning, unless his loan is renewed again next summer, Beadle will no longer be at the club.
Shea Charles
In a similar boat is Shea Charles. The midfielder joined the club on loan from Southampton in the summer and has massively impressed.
Charles is one of the top performers in the Championship and has arguably been Wednesday’s Player of the Season so far.
However, he is likely to go back to the Saints at the end of the campaign unless his deal is renewed in the summer.
Pol Valentin
Pol Valentin has become a fan favourite at Wednesday in recent times. The Spanish defender has been a reliable presence at the back since his move in 2023.
As a result, contract talks between Valentin and Wednesday are set to begin, with the Owls keen to lock him down.
Valentin has also insisted he is happy at Wednesday which will no doubt help in negotiations.
Michael Smith
Michael Smith has been a regular presence in the Owls’ attacker for the past few seasons. The striker has somewhat regained his clinical touch this campaign after already matching his previous tally.
However, a new contract does not seem to be in the works yet for the 33-year-old.
In a recent interview, Smith confirmed that no contract talks have taken place. The striker insisted that he is focusing on his work on the pitch rather than things ‘out of his control’.
Barry Bannan
The Wednesday captain is another player who could be out of contract in the summer. Barry Bannan recently signed a new deal but this was only for a year.
So far this season, the captain has performed exceptionally well and has easily been one of their best players.
Therefore, it is hard to believe that the club would be willing to part with the midfielder in the summer.
Rohl admitted it would be hard to find a replacement for Bannan. However, no reported contract talks have taken place yet.
Liam Palmer
The final player on this list is one of Wednesday’s biggest club legends – Liam Palmer.
The 33-year-old has been at the club for his entire career, making over 450 appearances in all competitions.
Despite still regularly playing for the Owls, little has been said about a new deal so far this season.