Barry Bannan back to Sheffield Wednesday? Everything we know right now | OneFootball

Football League World takes a look at how likely Millwall ace Barry Bannan is to return to Sheffield Wednesday

Sheffield Wednesday legend Barry Bannan left Hillsborough Stadium to join Millwall in the winter transfer window when the Owls were in administration.

The South Yorkshire outfit have now entered new ownership under David Storch, and brighter days are ahead.

However, former owner Dejphon Chansiri's negative influence is still lingering over Wednesday, who were relegated to League One in February, having been deducted 18 points.

The Owls are now set for a vital summer transfer window under Storch's ownership, and supporters would love to see Bannan return to S6.

Wednesday will not be subject to a 15-point deduction in League One next season, even though Storch's bid fell below the amount required to pay creditors 25p in the pound.

Therefore, the South Yorkshire side won't be worried by the threat of relegation to League Two, and will instead look to build a squad capable of launching a promotion bid despite the budget restrictions imposed on them by the EFL.

Sheffield Wednesday have discussed Barry Bannan return - But how realistic is transfer swoop for Millwall man?

Bannan established legendary status at Hillsborough Stadium by producing excellent midfield performances throughout his 10-and-a-half-year stay.

The 36-year-old is now vying to utilise his experience to help Millwall book their place in next season's Premier League via the Championship play-offs.

He was an outstanding performer when the Lions beat Oxford United 2-0 on the final day of the regular season, and will hope to be an influential figure in their play-off semi-final clashes with Hull City.

Meanwhile, Wednesday have held internal talks to re-sign Bannan ahead of next season, despite their relegation to League One.

The former Crystal Palace and Aston Villa man still loves the Hillsborough club, and would not have moved on to pastures new if the Owls hadn't suffered severe financial difficulties.

Bannan has previously proven that he is happy to represent Wednesday in League One, having helped them win promotion back to the Championship in 2023.

That evidence proves that the ex-Scotland international could be open to rejoining the Owls this summer, if Millwall are willing to sanction his departure.

Barry Bannan's future may hinge on Millwall's promotion destiny

As previously mentioned, Bannan still has a deep affection for Wednesday and isn't against the idea of playing for the Owls in League One, even though he is a highly capable Championship operator.

His emotional ties to the S6 club suggest that the ex-Leeds United loan player may want to retire in South Yorkshire.

However, if Millwall successfully win promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their history, Bannan could be tempted by the idea of staying in South London.

The veteran has entered the latter years of his career and deserves to taste top-flight football for the first time since representing Palace in the 2014/15 campaign.

Bannan shone in both League One and the Championship for over a decade in Wednesday colours, and passionate Owls fans would not begrudge their hero if he decided to have one last Premier League stint before hanging up his boots.

The 36-year-old would be unlikely to have much game time in the top flight for Millwall, but his dressing room presence would be a real asset for Alex Neil's men.