Sheffield Wednesday simply can’t afford to lose these two players this summer: View
Sheffield Wednesday have to tie down Liam Palmer and Will Vaulks to new contracts this summer.
Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Will Vaulks celebrating promotion.
Wednesday’s resurgence tied to experienced players like Palmer and Vaulks, pivotal in crucial wins and defensive improvements.
Palmer’s versatility in various positions and Vaulks’ dominance in both defense and attack highlight their value to the team.
Club should prioritise securing futures of Palmer and Vaulks as key leaders, regardless of relegation outcome.
Sheffield Wednesday’s win against Blackburn Rovers lifted the Owls out of the relegation zone for the first time since the opening weekend of the season.
Their upturn in form since the new year has largely been put down to the January arrivals of Ike Ugbo, Ian Poveda and James Beadle on loan, as well as a youthful core of attacking players such as Djeidi Gassama and Anthony Musaba.
But at the heart of Wednesday’s revival has been the experience of Liam Palmer and Will Vaulks. The pair have been integral to helping Danny Rohl’s side lose just six of their 18 Championship games in 2024, and they were once again at their best as Wednesday secured a priceless win away at Blackburn.
With more than 30 Championship appearances each, the duo have come to be relied upon by Rohl because of their consistency and ability to take charge of games.
Both Palmer and Vaulks are out of contract in the summer, though, and regardless of whether Wednesday stay up or not, the club should be looking to secure their futures as Rohl attempts to rebuild the squad in his image.
Palmer’s versatility proves useful in Wednesday’s fight against the drop
Sheffield Wednesday defender Liam Palmer
Typically, a right-back, Palmer has proven his worth by playing a multitude of positions this season, filling in at centre-half and central midfield when necessary.
With Rohl opting to play a three-man defence for much of the season, Palmer has used his agility and defensive nous to play as a right-sided centre-half and, with six clean sheets since the turn of the year, the Owls’ improved defensive record has been key to their resurgence.
He has also played at the base of the midfield and taken on the armband in the absence of captain Barry Bannan.
At 32 years old, Palmer is a senior member of Wednesday’s squad, and with Bannan’s future still undecided, Rohl will want to ensure he keeps some of the leadership qualities that have been so important to helping this squad flourish.
Liam Palmer 23/24 stats as per Transfermarkt
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Championship
32
1
1
FA Cup
3
1
1
EFL Cup
1
0
0
Vaulks helps bridge the gap between defence and attack
Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Will Vaulks
Vaulks was everywhere and anywhere against Blackburn. No Wednesday player made more tackles (five) or key passes (two) than the Welshman, according to journalist Joe Crann, and his omnipotent display was characteristic of the way in which he’s been able to dominate games.
Vaulks played a critical role in helping Wednesday come from two goals down to draw with Norwich City, grabbing both assists as the Owls took a point off their promotion-chasing opponents and whilst his determined work out of possession is what’s earned him plaudits this season, he has also shown an ability to create goals under pressure.
Will Vaulks 23/24 stats as per Transfermarkt
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Championship
32
0
3
FA Cup
1
0
0
EFL Cup
2
0
0
The 30-year-old has only been at the club for two seasons but is already a leader within the squad, and like Palmer, his presence will be crucial should Wednesday lose Bannan in the summer.
It’s thought that Rohl has a list of players he wants to keep on next season, though it is unclear where Palmer or Vaulks figure in the German’s plans.
Both players have stated their interest in remaining at the club, and whilst Palmer has had interest from America, it will be difficult to prize him away from S6 with the defender having spent his whole career, bar a season on loan with Tranmere Rovers, at Sheffield Wednesday.
