Josh Windass Turns Down Premier League Offer to Stay at Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Wednesday fans have received a massive boost ahead of the 2025/26 season as talismanic forward Josh Windass has reportedly turned down a lucrative contract offer from a Premier League club, opting instead to remain at Hillsborough for at least one more year.
According to sources close to the player, Windass was the subject of strong interest from newly-promoted Premier League side Southampton, who were keen to bolster their attacking options ahead of their top-flight return. The south coast club are believed to have tabled a two-year deal with significantly improved financial terms. However, Windass, now 31, is said to have rejected the move, citing his loyalty to Wednesday and a desire to complete “unfinished business” with the club.
Windass, who recently had his contract extended by the Owls until the summer of 2026, has been a cornerstone of the team’s resurgence under manager Danny Röhl. He finished the 2024/25 campaign as Wednesday’s joint top scorer with 13 goals across all competitions, earning him the Rainbow Owls Player of the Season accolade and reinforcing his status as a fan favourite.
“I’ve had interest from other clubs before, but Sheffield Wednesday means more to me than just football,” Windass said in an exclusive interview with the club’s in-house media team. “The fans have been incredible with me since day one, and I feel like I owe them and the club something. We’re building something special here, and I want to be part of that.”
Southampton’s approach reportedly came in the days following the conclusion of the Championship season, as they looked to bring in experienced heads to navigate the challenges of Premier League football. But despite the prestige of the offer, Windass remained firm in his decision, informing both his representatives and Wednesday’s board of his intention to stay.
Danny Röhl welcomed the decision, hailing Windass as a “model professional” and “the heartbeat of our dressing room.”
“Josh’s decision speaks volumes about his character and his belief in what we’re trying to achieve here,” said Röhl. “He’s not just a key player on the pitch — he’s also a leader off it. To turn down Premier League football shows the level of commitment he has to this club.”
The decision has gone down well with Wednesday supporters, many of whom had feared Windass might be lured away after reports of top-flight interest emerged earlier this month. Social media has been flooded with messages of appreciation and praise for the forward’s loyalty.
With Windass staying put, Sheffield Wednesday can now look ahead with renewed optimism. The club is expected to be active in the summer transfer window as they aim to build on a solid mid-table finish and push for a return to the Premier League — a dream that Windass still hopes to realise in blue and white.
“I want to get this club back to where it belongs,” Windass added. “If I can play a part in that journey, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
