Sheffield Wednesday must offer Matt Penney a new contract

As per reports from The Star, Sheffield Wednesday have opened talks with Matt Penny regarding a new contract. The 20-year-old is in the final year of his contract with the Owls and they must tie him down to a new deal ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

In fact, Sheffield Wednesday manager Jos Luhukay hinted that the club were willing to offer the 20-year-old an extension and expected the process to go smoothly (h/t The Star). He said:

“The meetings and the conversations are there so we make no pressure. I’m positive that the club and Matt make in the next few weeks a decision.”

Penney, a left-back, is a graduate of the Sheffield Wednesday academy and has risen rapidly through the ranks within the club. The defender has had loan spells away at Bradford City and Mansfield Town, before breaking into the senior team at the Hillsborough at the start of the ongoing campaign.

So far in the 2018/19 term, the 20-year-old has gone on to make 11 appearances across all competitions, registering one assist and picking up two yellow cards in the process.

A versatile operator, Penney has been used in a number of positions on the left flank by the manager this term. He has played as a left-back, a wing-back and an advanced winger as well. In addition, he also played one game as a central defender. And the Englishman has performed admirably in every role he has been thrust into by the gaffer.

Standing at 1.72m, he may not be the tallest defenders around but he more than makes up for it with his aggression and tenacity. Strong in tackles, the youngster possesses a solid defensive nous while being an effective outlet going forward on the flanks.

Possessing pace and good dribbling skills, the 20-year-old can have a go at defenders and beat his man, backing it up with a decent end product as well.

Penney is still some way from being the finished article but considering that he is in his debut campaign with the Owls, he has given a good account of himself. And judging by what he has shown in the ongoing campaign, the 20-year-old is bound to get better from hereon.

Read More: Why Sheffield Wednesday missed a trick by not signing this Tottenham ace

Versatile, reliable in defence and adventurous going forward, Penney clearly has what it takes to make it at this level. Hence, the club must do everything they can to make him sign a new deal to ward off potential suitors.

Given the promise he has shown so far, there is no doubt that the Owls are doing the right thing by making an attempt to extend his stay at the club.