Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann has confirmed that defender Joseph Olowu has turned down a new contract with the League Two side, though their attempts are not yet over.
The 25-year-old is out of contract at the end of the 2024/25 season and the battle is on for Doncaster to retain the defender before he leaves for free this summer.
According to a report via the Doncaster Free Press, Olowu has rejected an initial offer from the League Two side, though they will be making further offers to ensure he doesn’t depart this summer.
Has Olowu played his final game for Doncaster?
After sustaining a thigh injury and undergoing surgery, manager Grant McCann has confirmed that Olowu will not play another minute of the 2024/25 campaign which comes as a major blow to Doncaster.
Olowu has been a vital part of the defensive setup at Doncaster alongside Jay McGrath, though both players are currently injured.
Confirming the news, McCann stated…
“Joseph (Olowu) will be out for the rest of the season.
”He’s had an operation today which is a massive blow for us because he’s been outstanding this season but it’s a similar sort of injury to what Zain Westbrooke had on his thigh.
“We’ll miss him. He’s gutted but he’s really positive. I spoke to him yesterday to try and pick him up which I didn’t really need to because he’s a positive lad.”
This injury also suggests that Olowu will miss Doncaster’s potential play-off campaign which means that if he doesn’t sign a new deal, he has now played his final game for the side.
How has he fared this season?
Olowu played 46 times for Doncaster Rovers last season as they reached the play-off places in dramatic fashion, and he was on course to beat that this season.
He’s made a total of 37 appearances across all competitions this season for Grant McCann’s side, contributing to five goals with all of those coming in League Two.
Last season saw Olowu manage an average match rating of 6.82, which has been obliterated this time around as it has increased to 7.13.
How big of a blow would his exit be?
During the current season, Olowu has been one of Doncaster’s standout players and a key reason why they are back in promotion contention once again this season.
His injury has came at a bad time for the club given McGrath is also unavailable.
Ultimately, Doncaster’s league status next season could hold the key persuasion for Olowu this season. If the club are promoted, players like Olowu are almost certainly at a higher chance of signing a new contract ahead of next season.
The 25-year-old has rejected the first offer, though the Doncaster Free Press confirm that the club aren’t done yet and remain confident that he will re-sign ahead of next season.
Doncaster fans, what are your thoughts on Olowu and his future?