The bargain Barry Bannan transfer Sheffield Wednesday have actually agreed with Millwall | OneFootball

Barry Bannan is closing in on a return to Sheffield Wednesday

Sheffield Wednesday are rebuilding their first team squad after Arise Capital completed their takeover of the club in May.

The Owls endured a difficult year in the Championship before suffering relegation to League One.

But the change in ownership has led to some optimism at Hillsborough again, with the Yorkshire outfit now enjoying some financial stability.

Sheffield Wednesday spent several months in administration due to significant financial issues under the previous owner, Dejphon Chansiri.

An exodus of first team players, including stars like Barry Bannan and Josh Windass, led to Henrik Pedersen’s side struggling to compete in the second tier.

But the club are already at work to strengthen the squad for next season, with their sights set on returning to a competitive level.

Sheffield Wednesday set to secure bargain Barry Bannan deal

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It has been reported by Sheffield Star journalist George Smith that Sheffield Wednesday have now secured a deal to bring Bannan back to the club.

The midfielder departed in January as their financial issues mounted, signing for Millwall amid concerns of the direction that the club was set to go under if James Bord secured his takeover, but he is now on his way back to Hillsborough after David Storch instead won control of the club.

And it is believed that a transfer without a fee has been agreed to secure his return, which will be a real boost for the Owls and their supporters.

The 36-year-old was made club captain last summer, and his exit was a massive disappointment for fans through a difficult time for the club.

But the Scotsman is now closing in on a return, with the first team squad currently back in training for pre-season ahead of the League One campaign.

Bannan made over 400 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday in his first stint with the club, originally joining from Crystal Palace in the 2015 summer transfer window.

How Sheffield Wednesday fans feel about Barry Bannan’s return

Sheffield Wednesday fans are excited by the prospect of bringing Bannan back to the club for next season, claiming he could be a huge asset to have in League One.

Fans are also impressed by how busy the Owls have been in the early stages of the summer transfer window, with a number of signings already confirmed.

Bannan made 42 appearances in total in the regular Championship campaign last season, including 28 for Pedersen’s side, before helping Millwall earn a third place finish in the table in the second half of the campaign.

Barry Bannan return is a real coup for Sheffield Wednesday and Henrik Pedersen

Bannan showed last season that he can still contribute at a high level in the Championship when he helped Millwall fight for promotion, even if he didn't play as much as he maybe would've liked.

So having him back in the squad in League One will be a real boost to the level of quality at Pedersen’s disposal in the next campaign.

Bannan’s return will also be a huge boost of morale for both the first team squad, and the supporters.

And being able to bring him in this early in the summer, and as a free transfer, is a real coup for Sheffield Wednesday and head coach Henrik Pedersen, as they continue to do impressive work in the market so far.