Sheffield Wednesday have been warned not to offer one of their most ‘integral’ players a long-term contract.
Sheffield Wednesday are in the midst of contract talks after securing their Championship status for a further season.
There was concern over the future of a number of their key players as they approached the final day of the campaign with negotiations yet to have begun.
However, their survival is likely to have dictated how their contract talks will now go, with reports already claiming they have opened discussions with Josh Windass over a new contract.
The 30-year-old managed only 25 appearances this season due to injury, but his timely return to fitness resulted in him netting in each of the final three games.
Many fans had called for his release as he spent two months on the sidelines earlier this year, however his impact on the club’s survival looks to have earned him a new deal.
Despite that, Carlton Palmer has explained why his former club should only offer Windass a short-term deal.
Sheffield Wednesday will have a ‘problem’ if they offer Josh Windass a long-term deal
Speaking to Football League World, the former midfielder said: “Josh has been an integral part of Sheffield Wednesday in the last few seasons. Of course, he scored the winning goal at Wembley to get them promoted back to the Championship. He’s hugely popular with the supporters, and is enjoying his time with Danny Rohl as I’m sure the rest of the players are.
“The likes of Stoke, West Brom, Derby County and Hull are all monitoring the situation with Josh, as well as him being coveted by clubs in the MLS. I know Josh has an American girlfriend, and going to America is something which would interest him.
“He’s enjoying his football under Danny Rohl, but Sheffield Wednesday have to weigh up the option that Josh is 30 now, which is no age, but there will be a concern that he only played 25 Championship games last season – 28 in all competitions. If you’re giving him a new long-term contract, that would be a problem.”
Josh Windass should move to the MLS next summer
Josh Windass will turn 31 years old next season, and why footballers play way beyond that age, there has already been signs of the midfielder slowing down.
Windass’ injury record is a real issue and makes his £15,000-per-week wages seem even more expensive.
The 30-year-old is clearly still an important asset under Danny Rohl and can make a real impact in what feels like a transition phase for the club.
However, if they begin pushing for the play-offs then it is hard to see where Windass will fit in, especially if he struggles to stay fit.
The Wednesday hero deserves a new one-year contract, but it is definitely closing in on the end of his time at Hillsborough.
The MLS interest could still be around next summer and that may be the perfect move for him by then.