Barry Bannan linked with shock Sheffield Wednesday return just months after Millwall move
Barry Bannan has been linked with a shock return to Sheffield Wednesday - just months after leaving for Millwall.
The 36-year-old is a legendary figure at Hillsborough but shattered hearts when he sought pastures new in January.
With the Owls embroiled in off-field turbulence, Bannan sealed a permanent move to the capital and penned an 18-month deal.
He has since made eight appearances for the Lions, one of which came against Wednesday in February.
Barry Bannan linked with Sheffield Wednesday homecoming
According to The Wednesday Word, Wednesday have held internal discussions regarding the possibility of re-signing Bannan.
It has been claimed there is a desire to get the Scottish midfielder back in blue and white ahead of the club’s return to League One.
While it is not yet clear whether a deal will be doable, he would arguably give the beleaguared Owls a significant lift post-relegation.
Wednesday signed Bannan back in 2015, luring the fleet-footed midfielder from Crystal Palace. He went on to make 477 appearances for the South Yorkshire club, standing by them when the waters got choppy.
Barry Bannan’s Millwall move
When his move to Millwall was sanctioned in January, a Wednesday spokesperson said: “Millwall made an approach for Barry and, with a heavy heart, he has decided it is an offer that he must accept and gives him the chance to fight for promotion to the Premier League.
“Given the club’s current position in administration, the administrators are unable to give the assurances that Barry was understandably seeking. Equally, the preferred bidder was unable to make any binding commitments to Barry until the regulatory process, which remains ongoing, is completed and ownership formally changes.”
“Barry leaves Sheffield Wednesday as one of the club’s modern greats, an inspirational leader on both sides of the white line. Through promotion pushes, relegation battles and periods of extreme difficulty, his commitment, professionalism and passion for Sheffield Wednesday have never wavered.
“He departs with the deepest respect and gratitude of everyone at Hillsborough, and we all hope he returns to Sheffield Wednesday in some capacity in the future.”
The James Bord-led consortum that was in pole position to complete a takeover then withdrew from the process, sparking worry among supporters.
However, Arise Capital Partners are now the preferred bidders and are making progress towards a takeover of the Owls. Wednesday have been in administration since October, when Dejphon Chansiri was ousted as owner.