Sheffield Wednesday star rejects final contract offer, he will leave as a free agent

The Welshman spent two seasons at Sheffield Wednesday and was named the club’s Player of the Season for his performances in the 2023/24 campaign.

He joins the likes of Lee Gregory and Reece James who have already signed deals with new clubs this summer, while George Byers has also become a free agent.

Goalkeeper Cameron Dawson is also tipped to leave Sheffield Wednesday; he has been offered a new deal, according to the club’s retained list, but appears to be looking for first-team opportunities elsewhere.

There are also huge question marks over the future of Di’Shon Bernard, who is out of contract this summer.

He is understood to have been offered new terms after his impressive 2023/24 season, but is currently away on international duty with Jamaica, who are taking part in this summer’s Copa America.

Josh Windass is another key player out of contract and now looks set to leave Sheffield Wednesday as a free agent.

Josh Windass is set to leave Sheffield Wednesday on a free agent

A recent report from Football Insider claimed that Windass and Sheffield Wednesday have failed to agree a new deal.

Windass, 30, scored six goals in the Championship last season, netting three in each of Wednesday’s last three games to fire the Owls to safety.

There were reports that Windass and the club were nearing agreement on a new deal. But Football Insider now says otherwise.

Their report says Windass has “rejected a final contract offer” from the club and will leave as a free agent this summer, with Coventry City and Hull City currently leading the race for his signature.

Windass initially joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan in 2020, making his stay permanent the same year.

He scored 40 goals and assisted a further 17 in 135 total appearances for the Owls, memorably scoring the only goal in the League One play-off final win over Barnsley in 2023.

Sheffield Wednesday will miss Josh Windass

There’s no doubt that Windass has scored some hugely important goals for Sheffield Wednesday in the past.

He scored penultimate goals in the last two seasons, showing his class when it mattered most after what was a difficult 2023/24 season.

Windass was often plagued by injuries and inconsistent form spells. But overall he is a big player for Sheffield Wednesday.

The fact that the Owls gave him a new deal tells us that Danny Rohl wanted to keep him, so losing him will come as a blow to Rohl.

But Sheffield Wednesday need a squad change and they need an injection of youth in the first team.

The departure of Vaulks and now the apparent exit of Windass may be hard to accept, but it is part of the process for Sheffield Wednesday.

Windass’ exit will also likely open up a large portion of the salary cap, which Rohl can fill with one or two exciting, younger players.

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