An exodus of centre-backs is expected at Sheffield Wednesday this summer, as the Owls have one failed loanee, one out-of-contract U23 player, one out-of-favour defender returning from loan and one underperforming first-teamer.
Garry Monk may have a difficult task strengthening the backline when the transfer window opens, but let’s take a look at which four centre-backs he may have to replace…
David Bates joined Wednesday on a season-long loan from Hamburger SV but went on to make just one appearance in all competitions, spending the majority of his time in the reserves.
The 23-year-old will return to Germany in the coming months, but it’s surprising he wasn’t let go sooner given the inactivity.
Jack Lee is out of contract this summer and looks unlikely to be handed an extension as he’s only made two first-team appearances in all competitions for Wednesday.
The 21-year-old’s last outing at senior level came in August 2018, so it’s hard to see him being retained.
Joost van Aken could be on his way out when the summer transfer window opens as he’s out of favour under Garry Monk and won’t want to spend the final year of his contract on the periphery.
The 25-year-old’s last appearance for Wednesday came in August 2018, he’s spent this season out on loan in Germany’s second-tier, and he internally feels his time is up at Hillsborough, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see van Aken sold.
Tom Lees has one more year on his contract, but he could be on his way out after a disappointing season. The 29-year-old has underperformed and made defensive errors that raised uncertainty over his future.
A lot of fans don’t believe Lees should be kept for another season, and it appears that Wednesday agree.
