A Sheffield Wednesday star is expected to be in high demand during the summer transfer window.
Sheffield Wednesday are expected to part ways with a number of first team players at the end of the season, with eleven of them set to see their contracts expire.
The position of a number of key players could depend on whether the Owls are relegated, while some – such as Barry Bannan – could look to put pen to paper on a new deal whatever happens.
Danny Rohl will have some big decisions to make elsewhere and could look to sign loanees Ian Poveda and Ike Ugbo on a permanent deal, while those out on loan could also leave Hillsborough.
One man who is said to be impressing during his spell away from the Championship is George Byers, who joined Blackpool on loan on deadline day.
The midfielder has started eight of the Seasiders’ last ten games in League One and has apparently been one of their ‘key performers’ as they have pushed for a place in the play-offs.
Byers is another player whose contract is up this summer, while Sheffield Wednesday had previously received some criticism for allowing him to leave earlier this year.
The 27-year-old had made 17 starts for the Owls and his departure left Rohl’s side very thin in the middle of the park.
Blackpool want to keep George Byers
It remains unclear as to whether Wednesday will offer Byers a new deal, but according to Blackpool Gazette journalist Amos Wynn, he could be in high demand at the end of the season.
Speaking to The Star, Wynn said: “There’s no doubt Blackpool would be open to keeping him permanently based on what he’s brought to the table, but of course the outcome will probably be dependent on which league they’re in. You’d think a couple of Championship clubs would be looking at him, so he may be a man in demand in the summer.
“When he spoke to the press earlier this month he was positive about his time with the club so far, and had a really good understanding of his role and what was expected of him.”
New contract or to not new contract?
George Byers had been at Hillsborough for two and a half years before joining Blackpool on loan, and he was one of those players who just ‘got’ the club and the fans.
While maybe not the most talented, the midfielder had put a lot of hard work and commitment into his performances in the first half of the campaign, while he added some vital squad depth to a struggling team.
Wednesday have mostly coped without him and have relied heavily on the quality of Barry Bannan and Will Vaulks, however the former’s injury now leaves them wishing he hadn’t moved to Bloomfield Road.
Their lack of options in midfield could encourage them to bring Byers back this summer, but the Owls could also consider bringing in some new additions instead.
The former Swansea man’s future at Wednesday could also depend on whether they are relegated, as Rohl will be fully aware of the positive impact he could make on the team if they are to drop down to League One.
It may go down to whether Byers wants to commit his future to Sheffield Wednesday though, as he may wish to play regular football and could get that elsewhere in the Championship.