Forget Danny Rohl: Sheffield Wednesday losing 53-goal ace would be devastating summer blow.
Sheffield Wednesday is set for a summer of significant change, with uncertainty surrounding the futures of manager Danny Rohl and a number of key players.
Wednesday were a surprise play-off contender in the first half of the season, but their promotion push fell apart after the turn of the year due to a decline in form and various off-field issues.
Despite this, the Owls managed to finish in the top half, which is impressive given that they narrowly avoided relegation last season, but it is difficult for fans to get too excited about what could come next with so much uncertainty.
| 2024-25 Championship table | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team | P | GD | Pts | |
| 9 | West Brom | 46 | 10 | 64 |
| 10 | Middlesbrough | 46 | 8 | 64 |
| 11 | Swansea City | 46 | -5 | 61 |
| 12 | Sheffield Wednesday | 46 | -9 | 58 |
| 13 | Norwich City | 46 | 3 | 57 |
| 14 | Watford | 46 | -8 | 57 |
| 15 | QPR | 46 | -10 | 56 |
| 16 | Portsmouth | 46 | -13 | 54 |
Rohl, who is still officially Wednesday’s manager, has been rumoured to be interested in Southampton, Leicester City, RB Leipzig, Crystal Palace, and Fulham. He gave a farewell interview after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Watford.
On Thursday, talkSPORT revealed that Rohl has decided to leave Hillsborough this summer. The German has openly discussed his next move, which has led to accusations of disrespect from some sections of the Owls fan base. Many believe such comments are inappropriate while he is still under contract.
On Wednesday, it appears that Rohl’s position will be clarified soon, allowing them to bring in a replacement before the summer transfer window. However, the 36-year-old’s departure may not be the only major blow the South Yorkshire outfit will face this summer.
Sheffield Wednesday must prepare for Josh Windass’ departure.
Wednesday’s senior players, including Pol Valentin, Michael Ihiekwe, Akin Famewo, Marvin Johnson, Barry Bannan, Stuart Armstrong, Callum Paterson, Anthony Musaba, Mallik Wilks, Josh Windass, and Michael Smith, are out of contract, leading to a potential rebuild this summer.
While some decisions will be relatively simple for whoever succeeds Rohl, others are more complicated, and the future of forward Windass has sparked the most debate among Owls fans.
Windass joined Wednesday on loan from Wigan Athletic in January 2020 and made the move permanent in the summer. During his five-and-a-half years at Hillsborough, he has played a key role in numerous memorable moments.
The 31-year-old has scored some key goals for the Owls over the years, most notably the 123rd-minute winner against Barnsley in the League One play-off final at Wembley Stadium in 2023, and he has frequently stepped up when his team needed him the most.
Windass finished the season as Wednesday’s top scorer, with 13 goals in 47 appearances. On the final day, he scored his 53rd goal in the blue and white stripes, making him the club’s record goalscorer of the century.
Windass’ future sparked speculation after his father, Dean, attended his son’s “final game at Hillsborough” against Portsmouth last month. Windass also refused to confirm his future with the club, stating that it was always a huge honour to wear the shirt.
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