Barry Bannan bombshell drops ahead of Sheffield Wednesday trip to Bristol City as 'final game' claim emerges
Reports have suggested Barry Bannan is set to play his final game for Sheffield Wednesday against Bristol City.
The 36-year-old has been the subject of intense transfer speculation of late, despite having spent over a decade at Hillsborough.
Millwall have been strongly linked with a move for the veteran, while there has also been talk of interest from Stoke City and Preston North End.
Wednesday fans briefly had concerns eased when it was reported Bannan was due to head to Ashton Gate as part of Henrik Pedersen’s squad tomorrow (January 24).
Barry Bannan bombshell
That is still believed to be the case, although it has now been claimed it will be his final game for the Championship basement boys.
Posting on X, BBC Radio Sheffield’s Andy Giddings said: “Sources tell me Barry Bannan has just told his Sheffield Wednesday teammates that tomorrow will be his final game for the club.
“Bannan had been seeking assurances about the future of the club.”
Henrik Pedersen on Barry Bannan
When he was substituted during Wednesday’s midweek loss to Birmingham City, Bannan sparked fears of an exit by saluting all four Hillsborough stands.
It had the hallmarks of a goodbye and post-match, Pedersen said: “I am speaking with Barry every day and we all know that he loves Sheffield Wednesday.
“I can only say what I say to him, that I hope he will stay. Let’s see what happens at the next stage, but of course I hope he will stay.
“Of course it is difficult. I know he would love to stay, but it is a very difficult situation. I respect every single player in the squad and I have a big, big respect for Barry.”
Bannan first joined Wednesday back in 2015, when he made the move to South Yorkshire from Crystal Palace. He has made a total of 476 appearances for the club.