Sheffield Wednesday have got it bang on amid Josh Windass news | OneFootball

The Owls have made the right call by snubbing any transfer advances for their star performer

Sheffield Wednesday are enjoying a strong first full campaign under the management of Danny Rohl, with the Owls only three points behind the top-six.

Many outsiders will put this down to the tactical nous of the 35-year-old German head coach, who has at least transformed the Hillsborough club's on-pitch fortunes, despite the continued backdrop of discontent voiced towards owner, Dejphon Chansiri.

One aspect of the game which the Owls have become known for in recent times is the longevity of several names within the squad, exemplified by full-back Liam Palmer, who recently surpassed the 450 mark when it comes to appearances, as well as the likes of midfield maestro, Barry Bannan.

Josh Windass is another key asset who has become a part of the furniture in S6 since an initial loan move from Wigan Athletic in 2020, before going on to make over 160 appearances for the club after the deal was made permanent, which has seen him score some vital goals for the South Yorkshire side.

And, despite the fact that the son of Hull City legend, Dean, has seen his long-term future at Hillsborough jeopardised in recent times - signing just a one-year extension in July, Wednesday have played their cards spot on when it comes to his current predicament.

Sheffield Wednesday, Josh Windass call could be crucial in the short-term

As previously mentioned, Windass has been the scorer of big and impressive goals in equal measure during his five-year spell with the club, with the experienced playmaker putting up consistent numbers season upon season under five permanent managers.

After initially taking some time to showcase his full ability under Garry Monk, Windass was able to accumulate nine goals and six assists in his first full season with the Owls, despite suffering relegation to League One amid a six-point deduction.

Despite making the play-offs the following season, it was evident that Darren Moore missed the creative spark the former Rangers man can provide, as Windass registered six goal contributions in just 12 games.

He would then hit double-figures in the regular third tier season of 22/23, as well as scoring a famous FA Cup brace against Newcastle - before showcasing his clutch instinct with the 123rd-minute winner which sent the Owls back to the Championship at the expense of rivals, Barnsley.

Last season was yet another mixed bag for the former Accrington Stanley man with just 25 appearances. However, his influence was once again echoed in bucket loads as seven of his eight goal contributions came in pivotal victories for the Owls as Rohl accumulated 50 points in 35 games to secure a final day escape.

Windass admitted that he was close to leaving the club last summer before agreeing his latest extension amid interest from several Championship sides, as well as previously being touted with a move to the MLS or South America.

That decision has proven to be an inspired one for the versatile forward, who has notched 10 goals and two assists in the Championship thus far, which included a recent run of five goals in as many games, with the last of those a spectacular lob from inside his own half in the 4-2 victory over Derby County.

Therefore, whilst the initial link to Brazilian giants Santos was an surprise in terms of location, it is no surprise that clubs are taking an interest in the 30-year-old's situation as he is out of contract once again this summer.

However, Wednesday have definitely made the right call for now on their key asset, as FLW exclusively revealed that the second tier side have no intentions of letting their star man leave in the meantime.

Although Wednesday's strong points tally so far this campaign has stemmed from a collective effort, many would have predicted their play-off bid to have fallen by the wayside if Windass was allowed to join his former Ibrox boss Pedro Caixinha imminently.

This echoes how much the attacker is valued by Rohl, having been swayed to continue his long spell at the club last summer, before at least being kept around in the short-term.

If Windass is able to replicate his goal output in the remaining 20 games and better his assist total, starting with a crunch clash with league leaders Leeds United on January 18th, it could determine whether the Owls are able to sustain a play-off bid and gatecrash the top six for the first time in eight years.

Josh Windass has done enough to earn a new contract at Sheffield Wednesday

Naturally, the January window is a time when managers will focus on incomings to bolster the squad, but Rohl and the Owls hierarchy must also utilise this timeframe and take Santos' pressure as a warning, and look to offer the attacker fresh terms.

Windass is said to be Wednesday's seventh-highest earner based off estimated figures with a weekly salary of £15,000 per week, which has been justified, based on several moments he has given the Wednesdayites, as well as how he has been valued by other managers besides the highly-rated Rohl.

In fact, if Windass was offered the chance to extend his stay in the Steel City for more than one season - unlike his previous extension - it could have an even greater influence on his on-pitch performances, as worries over his long-term future would dissipate.

There's no doubt that Wednesday have made the right call for now by turning down Santos' offer, but they must take other factors into account for the remainder of the season.