Championship side Millwall have entered a three-way battle with divisional rivals Stoke City and Preston North End to sign Sheffield Wednesday's veteran captain and midfield stalwart, Barry Bannan.
Midfield Maestro Attracts January Interest
The 36-year-old Scottish midfielder, who has been a fixture at Hillsborough since 2015, is out of contract this summer. Despite signing a new one-year deal with the Owls as recently as August 2025, speculation is mounting that he could depart this month.
Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has named Millwall, Stoke, and Preston as potential suitors in England, while also noting interest from two unnamed Scottish clubs. Bannan has made a remarkable 474 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday, contributing 37 goals and 75 assists during a turbulent period for the club.
Why Clubs Are Chasing the Experienced Star
For Millwall, the pursuit is driven by necessity. Manager Alex Neil has navigated a severe midfield injury crisis this season. At one point in December, the Lions had no recognised central midfielders fit for a match against Hull City, with a host of players sidelined.
Bannan's reliability and vast experience, even at his age, make him an attractive short-term solution. Furthermore, with his contract expiring and a new deal unlikely, Sheffield Wednesday may be tempted to sell now to secure a fee rather than lose him for nothing in the summer.
Financial details have also emerged, with Football League World reporting that Bannan turned down offers three times higher than his current £7,000-a-week Wednesday salary last summer, with Millwall and Middlesbrough among those making approaches.
Bannan's Personal Motivations and Legacy
The player's future is also influenced by personal ambition. The Star reports that Bannan still harbours hopes of securing a place in the Scotland squad for the upcoming World Cup, a move that would be bolstered by regular football at a competitive level.
Reflecting on his commitment to Wednesday when he signed his latest contract, Bannan revealed the emotional weight of the decision, stating that his daughter's reaction played a key part. "When I told my daughter Elsie that I might be leaving she started crying. Then last night when I told her I was staying she started crying again... she said they are just happy tears," he explained.
His potential exit would mark the end of an era for Sheffield Wednesday, for whom he has been captain and a symbol of stability. While a blow to the Owls, many fans would understand a move given his decade of service, especially if it aligns with his final career ambitions.
