Walsall boss Mat Sadler has confirmed that the club have held internal discussions over new contracts for several first-team players, with 9 members of the squad due to be out of contract at the end of the season.
Sadler revealed that the Saddlers are already planning ahead for the 2025/26 campaign and have identified the players they want to tie down early.
While no formal negotiations have been completed, the head coach says conversations behind the scenes have begun as the club aim to maintain stability during their League Two promotion push.
Congratulations on your professional debut Paul 👏
Hard work pays off, you should be very proud 🙌 pic.twitter.com/jMO3ksRro2
— Walsall FC (@WFCOfficial) October 28, 2025
Planning For Continuity
Walsall currently have a long list of players whose deals expire next summer, including Aden Flint, Priestley Farquharson, Rico Browne, Evan Weir, Brandon Comley, Jamie Jellis, Charlie Lakin, Jamille Matt and Albert Adomah.
The club’s leadership team are now deciding who will form the core of next season’s squad.
Speaking to the Express & Star, Sadler confirmed progress is being made, even if nothing is yet finalised.
“Nothing yet, or nothing to write about at the moment,” he admitted.
“It is in our minds to start heading towards that way. We have had internal conversations anyway about the guys that we want to speak about sooner rather than later. But as it stands at the moment, nothing has really moved on from that.”
The early preparation comes after a strong start to the season that has Walsall firmly in the mix for a top-7 finish.
Sadler, who has overseen gradual improvement since taking charge, is keen to reward consistency and keep the core group together to build momentum beyond this campaign.
Key Decisions Ahead
Among those already secured for the future are Harry Williams, who signed a new 2-year deal with an option in September, and Aaron Pressley, whose three-year contract runs until 2028. Williams, currently recovering from a ruptured Achilles sustained in the play-off final defeat to AFC Wimbledon in May, is expected to return before the end of the season.
Mat Sadler – How Do You Manage?
The @WFCOfficial manager chats with @AliMaxwell_:
– Why #Saddlers are ‘not the norm’ in English football
– Tactical organisation + positive leadership style
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— Not The Top 20 Pod (@NTT20Pod) October 29, 2025
Sadler also has at least 11 players tied down beyond next summer, including Levi Amantchi, Sam Hornby, Connor Barrett, Lewis Warrington, and Jake Hollman. The club have also locked in Vincent Harper, Courtney Clarke, and Mason Hancock on 2-year deals with options, while Harrison Burke’s clause could extend his stay until 2029.
Meanwhile, Ronan Maher is currently on loan at Tamworth after signing a new two-year deal earlier this year, and Amantchi’s current loan at Rochdale includes an option to extend his contract at The Bescot.
Sadler’s cautious optimism reflects a long-term vision to avoid the annual rebuilds that have previously held Walsall back.
“We’re always assessing, always looking ahead,” he added. “You can’t stand still in this league, so we’re making sure we’re ready for what’s next.”
With a blend of experience and promising youth, Walsall are positioning themselves to move forward with continuity — but as the season develops, the pressure will grow to turn internal planning into signed contracts that secure their key men for the future.
