Sheffield Wednesday 'in talks' with Millwall over emotional homecoming for Barry Bannan
The latest on Barry Bannan amid talk of a Sheffield Wednesday return for the Millwall midfielder
Sheffield Wednesday are reportedly in talks with Millwall over an emotional homecoming move for Barry Bannan.
After 477 appearances and over a decade of service, Bannan left Wednesday in the winter transfer window to pen an 18-month deal at Millwall.
He swapped off-field turbulence and regular on-field defeats at Hillsborough for a promotion push, one that ended in a play-off semi-final loss to Hull City. Bannan made 16 appearances for Millwall last term, registering one assist.
Wednesday are now on a stronger footing following the completion of a takeover by Arise Capital Partners, who are bringing some much-needed stability to the South Yorkshire club.
Barry Bannan latest
There has been talk of a Hillsborough return for Bannan and according to The Wednesday Word, talks between the Owls and the Lions are ongoing.
Bannan is thought to be keen on making a return to Wednesday, who he represented with distinction during periods of success and turmoil.
He will turn 37 in January but could prove incredibly useful in League One, a division Wednesday will be hoping to avoid lingering in for too long.
Barry Bannan’s move from Sheffield Wednesdat to Millwall
When Bannan’s January departure was confirmed, 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.”