Sheffield Wednesday make decision on Barry Bannan’s future as contract deadline looms

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There are many things up in the air at Sheffield Wednesday right now, but EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal that Barry Bannan’s future at the club is close to a resolution.

Sheffield Wednesday have had a season full of ups and downs. On the pitch, the team was fairly inconsistent, and ended up falling short of their ambition of securing a place in the Championship play-offs.

Off it, things have been far more tumultuous in S6. Dejphon Chansiri has attracted criticism from fans and neutrals alike for his haphazard control of the club and the financial difficulties Sheffield Wednesday have endured.

Meanwhile, Danny Rohl’s status as Owls boss hangs in the balance, with the man himself making it relatively clear that he is at least open to moving on this summer.

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Barry Bannan will stay at Sheffield Wednesday for another year

It goes without saying that Sheffield Wednesday fans could do with some good news, and EFL Analysis can deliver on that front.

With just days remaining ahead of the May 17th deadline upon which clubs must begin contract talks with players whose deals are expiring, we are told Sheffield Wednesday are not about to let club captain Barry Bannan depart.

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey told us: “Barry Bannan is staying there. They’ve got the option and they’ll be taking that up. So Barry Bannan will be staying for at least another year, which Wednesday fans will be delighted to hear.

“Basically, I think with Bannan it’s almost that he’s that much of a legend there, it’s like an open-ended situation; if he wants to stay, he stays… that’s pretty sensible, because he’s still a fabulous player for them at this level.”

With this seemingly sorted, Sheffield Wednesday must now resolve Josh Windass’ situation, as they face the prospect of losing the striker on a free transfer, too.

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Barry Bannan is a genuine Sheffield Wednesday legend

Last season alone, Bannan made 45 appearances in all competitions for Wednesday, scoring four goals and bagging six assists from central midfield.

He may be 35-years-old now, but Bannan is still highly influential in the middle of the park, with his range of passing and combative play proving crucial for Rohl.

Whether Rohl stays on as Sheffield Wednesday manager or someone else steps in, the man at the helm will no doubt lean on Bannan once more next season as the figurehead in this Owls team.

The Scotsman has now made 447 appearances for Wednesday over the last decade, helping steer them from the lows of League One and back to the Championship. One day, his time at the club will come to an end, but even neutrals will be happy to see him stick around for one more year at least.