Carlton Palmer believes George Byers could leave Sheffield Wednesday this summer.
Speaking to Football League World, the former midfielder claimed that the Owls ‘won’t rush’ into contract negotiations with their ‘fan favourite’.
George Byers joined Sheffield Wednesday from Swansea City back in 2021 and has become a regular for the club, scoring 12 goals in League One before helping the side win promotion back to the Championship.
Their return to the second tier saw Byers handed a contract extension which is set to expire next summer.
The 27-year-old fell out of favour under Xisco Munoz but has managed to regain his place in the team under Danny Rohl, while he has since admitted that he is ‘fully focused’ on Sheffield Wednesday and has confirmed that he would like to stay at Hillsborough beyond this season.
When asked by The Star if he sees his long-term future at Hillsborough, Byers said: “Yes. But there have not been any talks at this moment in time. I think I’m solely focused on doing well for Sheffield Wednesday and keeping us in this division. That’s my only focus.”
While fans will be delighted to hear of Byers’ commitment to the club, Carlton Palmer has urged the Owls not to decide on the midfielder’s future just yet.
“Byers is a fan favourite and has been a key player for the Owls since joining in 2021,” Palmer told FLW.
“However, George has injury problems and misses a lot of games, so I’m sure the Owls will wait to see how the season progresses.
“So far this season, he’s featured in all but one matchday squad.
“Sheffield Wednesday won’t rush into contract negotiations as George has limited experience at Championship level, less than 100 games, and they will also want to see which league they will be in next season before discussing anything about a new contract.”
Should Sheffield Wednesday hand George Byers a new deal?
Carlton Palmer is correct in being concerned about George Byers’ injury record, however it is far from enough of a worry to mean he isn’t awarded with a contract extension.
The midfielder has been one of Sheffield Wednesday‘s best players in recent seasons and has looked very effective since Danny Rohl brought him back into the picture over the last month or so.
With Byers eager to still play for the Owls even if they return to League One, the club should be snapping him up on a new deal as soon as they can. They certainly don’t want to lose him for free in the summer.