Sheffield Wednesday have begun to lay the groundwork for the 2025/26 campaign by releasing their retained list, marking the start of what looks to be a pivotal summer. Seven senior players are set to leave the club, while core squad members like Barry Bannan, Josh Windass, and Michael Smith are expected to stay on, either through contract renewals or activated extensions. This move, announced just before the May 17th EFL deadline, provides some initial clarity as the club embarks on what could be a major rebuild.
However, with uncertainty still looming over key areas such as club ownership and the managerial situation, these early decisions offer only a glimpse into the direction Sheffield Wednesday may take. In an exclusive interview with Football League World, former player Chris Waddle emphasized that several critical challenges remain if the Owls are to make meaningful progress next season.
Speaking on the club’s recruitment approach, Waddle pointed to a fundamental issue: the absence of a robust scouting network. He believes Wednesday are likely to focus heavily on the free agent market, given financial constraints. While quality can be found among players available on free transfers, he warned that negotiations often hinge on whether wages can be accommodated. Waddle suggested the club will be scanning release lists from Premier League and Championship teams, as signing big-money players is unlikely.
Timing, according to Waddle, is crucial. He urged the club to act swiftly in approaching players set to be released in the coming weeks, before they’re snapped up elsewhere. While he acknowledged there is talent available, he also voiced concern about how attractive Sheffield Wednesday currently is to prospective signings, given the backdrop of managerial uncertainty and lingering doubts over chairman Dejphon Chansiri’s intentions.
Waddle speculated on the ownership situation, expressing hope that a sale could be agreed upon—but also urging realism on Chansiri’s part. If the chairman is serious about selling, he must be willing to compromise on price to enable the club to move forward. Without a change in ownership or fresh investment, Waddle doubts whether the club can genuinely take the next step.
He also cast doubt over head coach Danny Röhl’s future, suggesting that the German may leave regardless of developments, unless a new owner arrives with significant financial backing and ambition. Should Röhl depart, Waddle backed assistant Henrik Pedersen as a strong internal candidate to step up, citing his familiarity with the squad and his growing influence within the club.
Even so, the sense of urgency is undeniable. Waddle noted that transfer plans may already be in place, but execution depends on green lights from the top—and with ownership questions unresolved, progress is stalled. He stressed the need for swift, clear decision-making to avoid losing ground.
| Sheffield Wednesday’s released players (source) | |
|---|---|
| Player | Joined club |
| Stuart Armstrong | January 2025 |
| Ben Hamer | June 2024 |
| Ryo Hatsuse | January 2025 |
| Michael Ihiekwe | June 2022 |
| Marvin Johnson | August 2021 |
| Pol Valentin | July 2023 |
| Mallik Wilks | August 2022 |
Ultimately, while the club’s initial announcements offer a measure of direction, they also highlight how much remains unresolved. Sheffield Wednesday must now move quickly and decisively, both in terms of player recruitment and leadership. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the Owls can build a squad capable of pushing higher in the Championship standings, or remain mired in mid-table uncertainty. Fans now watch and wait for the next move.
Leave a Reply