A clear-out could be on the cards at Sheffield Wednesday – starting with the following nine players.
Sheffield Wednesday are expected to at least try to overhaul their squad this summer, after a season of regression in the Championship and a new manager – Jos Luhukay – in place.
But which players could depart Hillsborough in the coming months? HITC Sport’s four-part series begins here, with the Owls’ nine out of contract players, including loanees…
Jake Kean
Reasons he’ll go: Easily replaceable. Likely to want first team football.
Reasons he’ll stay: No logical ones.
Glenn Loovens
Reasons he’ll go: Not the player he once was, and hasn’t been for a while. His wages are likely to be substantial, even if they’re not in the top bracket.
Reasons he’ll stay: Experience, leadership, dressing room value. The Wednesday captain is also a club ambassador.
Daniel Pudil
Reasons he’ll go: In an ideal world he’d be little more than a back-up, and that status is unlikely to warrant his current salary.
Reasons he’ll stay: Has grown into his new role at centre-half, and provides cover in a position where the Owls are currently short – left-back.
Ross Wallace
Reasons he’ll go: Again, a likely high earner. He is also not getting any younger and is devoid of any pace – although it could be argued he always has been.
Reasons he’ll stay: Still has the quality, even if he cannot play as many games as he could two seasons ago. By all accounts a good character.
Atdhe Nuhiu
Reasons he’ll go: Hasn’t scored regularly enough throughout his career. Even if Wednesday want to keep him, how often does he play with everyone else fit? He may fancy a fresh start elsewhere.
Reasons he’ll stay: Is gradually getting fitter under the new manager, and has been one of the Owls’ form players in that time. Brings something unique to the squad, both in terms of his playing style and personality.
Sean Clare
Reasons he’ll go: Bigger clubs – notably Everton and Tottenham Hotspur – have been credited with interest.
Reasons he’ll stay: He’s one of only two on this list to have been offered a new deal already, while leaving Wednesday for the Premier League could be a big gap to bridge – especially having only made his Championship debut earlier this year. Clare’s injury could also scupper his chances of a move.
George Hirst
Reasons he’ll go: Too much water appears to have passed under the bridge. Premier League clubs – including Everton again – have been linked.
Reasons he’ll stay: The other player to have fresh terms proposed although, unlike Clare, Hirst has turned down the Owls’ approach and consequently found himself barred from selection. Only a seismic shift in either his or the club’s stance can keep him at Hillsborough, you’d think.
Frederico Venancio
Reasons he’ll go: The Portuguese press have claimed Wednesday must pay £2.6 million to sign him permanently and, at that price, the Owls can surely do better.
Reasons he’ll stay: He’s been a regular under Luhukay – although the Dutchman has hardly been spoilt for choice – and proved himself to be a half-decent defender.
Jacob Butterfield
Reasons he’ll go: His move has not gone to plan – at all.
Reasons he’ll stay: None – unless there’s a buying obligation we’ve not heard about.
Which players do you expect to leave Sheffield Wednesday this summer?
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