BIG changes at Sheffield Wednesday as retained list is confirmed - long-serving stars head for the exit

There were always expected to be big changes at Hillsborough over the coming weeks following relegation to League One, and now it’s been confirmed who will and won’t be sticking around for their battle to reclaim a spot in the Championship.

A statement from the club read, “The Owls can confirm our player retention list following the conclusion of the 2020/21 season.

“Joost van Aken, Kadeem Harris, Elias Kachunga, Tom Lees, Matt Penney, Moses Odubajo, Joey Pelupessy, Adam Reach, Jordan Rhodes and Keiren Westwood will each be released upon the expiry of their current contracts.”

It’s not all about exits though, with confirmation of extended stays for three players as the club said, “The club have activated one-year extensions to retain Ciaran Brennan, Alex Hunt and Sam Hutchinson.

Meanwhile, they added, “Osaze Urhoghide has been offered a new contract, while Liam Shaw declined a new contract offer and, as previously communicated, signed an agreement with Celtic.

Darren Moore gives Sheffield Wednesday preseason plans update

“Loan players Izzy Brown and Jack Marriott have returned to their parent clubs.

“Sheffield Wednesday would like to thank all departing players for their services and wish them well for the future.”

The focus now turns to the future and how they go about replacing the players that are leaving the club, with Moore being tasked with building a Wednesday side that can really make a go of things in League One next season.

It remains to be seen when preseason will get underway for the Owls, but they’ll be hoping to have a few new faces through the door by then.

Urhoghide’s Sheffield Wednesday future hangs in the balance as talks continue

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