Sheffield Wednesday hold key Barry Bannan advantage as Stoke and Derby chase deal

Sheffield Wednesday’s current situation has been the main story of this summer’s transfer window.

Owls’ supporters have been tormented by owner Dejphon Chansiri, who failed to pay playing staff on time for two of the last three months.

Some players have been able to trigger a 15-day notice period which would allow them to leave the club for free.

Wednesday have already been hit with a three-window transfer ban and two embargoes by the EFL for non-payment of players and failure to pay HMRC on time, which led to them not being able to negotiate new deals for those within the squad who had their contracts expiring.

Multiple potential scenarios have struck fear into the hearts of the Hillsborough faithful, with the future of the football club uncertain in some cases.

Whilst not as extreme as that outcome, losing Barry Bannan would be an awfully bitter pill to swallow for the Wednesday supporters.

Barry Bannan has been the subject of Championship transfer interest

With the 35-year-old technically no longer employed by Wednesday, he is free to join other clubs for no cost.

Stoke City and Derby County have been credited with an interest in Bannan earlier in the window and would be able to offer him a financial package that rivals the one he previously took home at Hillsborough.

He would slot into both teams’ midfield without question, with his performances last season for the Owls proving that Bannan is still a capable operator at the Championship level.

Barry Bannan’s 24/25 Championship stats
Appearances	41
Starts	40
Goals	4
Assists	5
Big chances created	8
Key passes per game	1.8
Duels won per game	3.1 (54%)
Source: Sofascore

Although there are murmurs that the current situation at Wednesday could be resolved soon, there is still nothing concrete in the works.

The recent saga involving Danny Rohl’s decision to return opposed by the squad shows the current division at the club, so the Owls legend couldn’t be blamed for deciding now is the time to pursue pastures new.

After 10 years, 447 appearances and 3deciding5 goals, supporters of the Steel City side would have no choice but to wish him well after a decade of service.

However, it may be Bannan’s relationship with the Wednesday supporters that keeps him at Hillsborough in the future.

Barry Bannan has an excellent relationship with Sheffield Wednesday supporters – It could keep him at the club next season

When one thinks of Sheffield Wednesday, the image of Bannan in the famous blue and white shirt springs to mind instantly.

Supporters of the club adore the Scotsman and haven’t been shy to show their appreciation of him in the past.

The 35-year-old has often been seen in public with Owls fans, freely chatting to those who cheer him on weekly.

His keenness to poke fun at city rivals Sheffield United when the opportunity arises has further endeared himself to the Wednesday faithful, with some going as far to call for a statue of Bannan outside Hillsborough if he does exit.

The club captain shares a similar sentiment towards the Owls and it may be this relationship that is stopping him from moving elsewhere.

Over the past decade, Bannan has grown into one of Wednesday’s most influential players this century and has shaped his life around that.

Unless he is forced to, it doesn’t seem likely that the Scotsman will leave.

Therefore, the Steel City side may not have to realise their Barry Bannan fear, at least not in the immediate future.