Exclusive: The shock EFL proposal that could leave Sheffield Wednesday players clubless

Wednesday have a number of senior players who will be out of contract at the end of June, with the likes of Morgan Fox, Sam Hutchinson, Kieran Lee, Joey Pelupessy, Sam Winnall, Fernando Forestieri, Steven Fletcher, Atdhe Nuhiu and Matt Penney all now into the final two months of their current deals.

According to an EFL letter seen by the Star, EFL clubs across the country will have three options regarding the players that are coming out contract in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, firstly to offer them a new deal as per a normal season, secondly to extend until whenever the 2019/20 does eventually come to a close, or a third option that could see some players stuck in limbo.

The letter, in part, read: “It is proposed that Clubs should have until 23 June 2020 to:

(a) offer a new playing contract;

(b) offer a 'Season 2019/20 Extension' which extends the current contract on the same terms until midnight on the day of the Club's last match of Season 2019/20;

(c) inform the Player that the Club will not offer him a new playing contract or Season 2019/20 Extension. The Player would be released on 30 June 2020, and free to register with another Club but would not become eligible until the start of Season 2020/21

“We are aware that some Clubs have discussed with their Players that will be released the possibility of continuing to play in July 2020 to complete a season in consideration of the July severance payment, and in those circumstances we would not object but would need to agree how the registration should be extended for that period, and invite views on that from those Clubs who have considered this as an option.”

Crucially, the EFL is proposing to push back the date in which clubs will be able to approach players regarding a free transfer.

As it stands, that date is the third Saturday in May, but the EFL are proposing that this be pushed back to the June 23rd date.

In the event of players under the age of 24, the EFL is proposing a fourth option to ensure that clubs would still be entitled to vital compensation in the event that their talented prospects move on.

They propose that clubs have until four days after the last day of the season (or June 23rd if that date comes earlier) to offer a deal on ‘no less favourable terms’.

If a new deal or short-term extension is not agreed, the EFL propose they could enter into a week-by-week or conditional contract.

A number of EFL clubs are of the view that players due to be released could continue to play through July as they will receive a severance payment for that month.

The EFL have told clubs they do not object to this in principle but want further dialogue with clubs.