Here is how Sheffield Wednesday’s starting line-up could look if they lose all eleven of their out-of-contract players this summer.
Sheffield Wednesday are rapidly running out of time to secure their Championship status for another season, but look to be on the cusp of safety as they look to claim the vital three points that can drag them out of the relegation zone.
With only nine games to go, Danny Rohl has told his players to put their full attention into staying up this season, while contract dilemmas would be seen to at a later date.
The Owls are definitely getting full commitment from each one of their players since Rohl came in, but the team and supporters will still be concerned that their futures at Hillsborough could be up in a matter of months.
A whopping eleven players will see their contracts at Sheffield Wednesday expire this summer, while a further seven players could see their loan spells end.
Reports have already emerged that the Owls are likely to renew the contracts of many of their key players, but as of now, they are all set to leave on free transfers – leaving the squad looking very sparse.
While we know some of these players will most certainly be here next season, we take a look at what the starting line-up could look like if they were to lose all of their out-of-contract stars…
Pierce Charles
James Beadle is Sheffield Wednesday’s current number one, but he is likely to return to Brighton & Hove Albion following the end of his loan spell.
Cameron Dawson lost his place in between the sticks to the teenager, while his future at his boyhood club remains in doubt ahead of his contract expiry.
Charles has made two appearances in the FA Cup due to injuries elsewhere – conceding five goals against Coventry City.
Pol Valentin
Pol Valentin is the Owls’ current first choice right-back and will thankfully have another year left on his deal in the summer.
The Spaniard has been hailed as ‘much improved’ and a ‘fan favourite‘ following his recent performances, meaning he could head into the new season as one of the first names on the team sheet.
Michael Ihiekwe
With Di’Shon Bernard, Dominic Iorfa and Liam Palmer out of contract, Michael Ihiekwe would return to the starting line-up.
The 31-year-old joined Sheffield Wednesday in 2022, though it is unclear how many years he committed to the club.
Ihiekwe has made 15 starts in the Championship this term.
Akin Famewo
Akin Famewo has established himself as a regular under Danny Rohl, making 24 starts in the Championship.
The defender has another year left on his contract, and so could be one of the few remaining defenders at the club this summer.
Marvin Johnson
Marvin Johnson came close to joining Ipswich Town in January for £1 million, but instead remained at Hillsborough.
It’s unclear how long he has left on his current deal, but Sheffield Wednesday will be eager to keep hold of him if they stay in the Championship.
The veteran has three goals and four assists in 22 games this campaign.
Momo Diaby
Momo Diaby joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan in the summer, but it is believed that the club do have the option to buy him at the end of the season.
The midfielder has spent the majority of the campaign on the sidelines and has only managed two starts, so it is unclear whether Danny Rohl will want to keep him.
He could potentially be the only senior midfielder left though, with Will Vaulks, George Byers, Barry Bannan, Josh Windass and Jeff Hendrick all potentially on their way out.
Rio Shipston
Given the amount of first team midfielders that are out of contract, we have had to bring in 19-year-old Rio Shipston.
The teenager made his first league appearance against Cambridge United in January 2023 and racked up a further two games in League One.
Darren Moore had a soft spot for Shipston and previously admitted he was ‘very, very close’ to breaking into the first team, but he hasn’t been given a chance under Rohl.
Anthony Musaba
Anthony Musaba still has two years left on his contract after joining from Monaco last summer.
The Dutchman has five goals and three assists in 22 starts for Sheffield Wednesday.
Djeidi Gassama
Djeidi Gassama has had a slow start to life at Hillsborough, but is likely to get in if Ian Poveda was to leave once his loan spell ended.
The 20-year-old has two goals for the Owls, one of which came in their 1-0 win over Plymouth earlier this month.
Callum Paterson
Callum Paterson has two years left on his contract after signing an extension in the summer.
The 29-year-old had been vital under Danny Rohl before his injury, due to his extreme versatility. He has so far played at right-back, right-wing, left-wing, attacking midfield and centre forward this term.
Michael Smith
With Ike Ugbo’s loan spell coming to an end at the end of the season, Sheffield Wednesday could return to their underwhelming options up front.
Michael Smith’s current deal expires in 2025, though could potentially be sold after coming close to leaving in January.
The 32-year-old has netted three goals in 22 games this season.