Sheffield Wednesday have some pressing contract issues to attend to ahead of 2025, with several out of contract.
Among those out of contract are Akin Famewo and Pol Valentin. But Sheffield Wednesday want to hand Famewo a new contract, and Valentin too, showcasing the club’s eagerness to finalise contract dealings early.
It comes after last summer’s contract debacle which saw a number of players out of contract, though Danny Rohl and co couldn’t table new deals until the season was over and Wednesday’s fate was decided.
Now though, with the club’s fortunes and outlook much brighter, Sheffield Wednesday can realistically work on new contracts well before they expire.
Michael Smith is one of those out of contract next summer and the in form striker could yet play his way to a new deal.
Another in form Sheffield Wednesday man whose contract expires next summer is Marvin Johnson, who signed a one-year extension at Hillsborough during the summer.
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Marvin Johnson ‘open’ to extending Sheffield Wednesday contract
Johnson, 33, has been a star performer for the Owls in recent weeks, with former player Lee Bullen saying Johnson is ‘undroppable’ for Sheffield Wednesday at the minute.
He’s enjoyed a bit of a career resurgence under Rohl after previously being exiled by Xisco Munoz at the start of last season.
Coming back into the side under Rohl last season, Johnson went on to score four and assist four more in 29 Championship outings, with two assists in 13 league appearances this season.
Speaking to The Star about whether or not he’d extend his stay in S6, Johnson explained: “Definitely. I’m open to it. I’m here and I’m enjoying my football with the gaffer and the coaching staff that are here.”
Johnson turns 34 in two week’s time. But he says he still feels 22 years old. He added: “I still feel 22! I feel good, I’m not even worried about age and touch wood I’ve never had anything big injury-wise, I’ve always tried to look after myself and stay fit, long may that continue.”
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Marvin Johnson contract extension is an easy decision for Danny Rohl
If we looked at Johnson’s game without knowing his age, we would say he’s a lot younger than he is. He’s a work-horse on the left and someone still with a lot to offer in the Championship.
So for Rohl, despite Johnson’s age, another one-year contract extension seems like a must, especially with left-backs thin on the ground at Wednesday.
There’s Max Lowe but he’s impressing at left centre-back right now, leaving Johnson as arguably the only left-back at the club.
Next summer though, Rohl should really focus on signing an eventual heir to Johnson, or on promoting one from the youth team so that when Johnson does eventually leave, his exit won’t hurt so much.
He remains a crucial player for the Owls and he’ll no doubt play a key role in shaping this season.