Of course it will. There seems to be a direct correlation between player performance and the period just prior to contract extension.

I would acknowledge that Townsend has started the season well , but would have been delighted if we had got Sarr as an alternative.
Somebody will provide real pace and purpose down the right to balance our existing strengths on the left.
A lot of Townsend’s work is done defensively and a more offensive option would really assist the team in an attacking sense.
Happy to keep Townsend as a squad player, but if he’s given a long term contract and is still our only option in the position he plays then I think that’s not really a progressive policy.

Apparently he said on Talksport earlier that he has not been offered a new contract with no talks planned.
Perhaps the club is keeping it's options open.