How Barry Bannan and Massimo Luongo helped Sheffield Wednesday sign Billy Mitchell | OneFootball

Billy Mitchell has been confirmed as the latest addition at Sheffield Wednesday

Sheffield Wednesday have had a busy start to the summer transfer window under new owners Arise Capital.

The group led by David Storch completed their takeover of the Owls at the beginning of May, and have overseen significant changes on and off the pitch.

David Bruce has been installed as CEO, while Simon Wilson was appointed sporting director, with the pair looking to rebuild the club following years of financial mismanagement.

Henrik Pedersen remains in charge of the first team squad, with a number of signings already being made to bolster his options for next season.

The Yorkshire outfit made an initial burst of signings that included Ricardo Santos, Callum Slattery, Jordi Liongola and Sil Swinkels.

Barry Bannan made his return to the club, with Louie Barry, Joe Lumley and Harry Gray (loan) following, and now Billy Mitchell has been confirmed as the latest addition.

Billy Mitchell credits two players for convincing him to join Sheffield Wednesday

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Mitchell has claimed that both Bannan and former Sheffield Wednesday player Massimo helped convince him to make the switch to the League One side from Millwall.

The 26-year-old is looking forward to getting to play for a club the size of Sheffield Wednesday, and in front of the home fans at Hillsborough.

“Sheffield Wednesday is a massive club,” said Mitchell, via The Star.

“Everyone knows that.

“Getting to play at Hillsborough in front of all the fans is going to be incredible.

“Baz put in a good word, as did a lot of the lads I've played against before over the years.

“It's always nice to see a familiar face, and for him to put in a good word for me just helps you settle in a little bit easier.

“He is a club legend and has said many good things about the team.

“I spoke to Massimo Luongo as well, and he had plenty of good things to say.

“Said I'd really enjoy it.

“So I'm just looking forward to getting to experience more of it by the day.”

Mitchell has arrived as a free transfer from Millwall, where he was a regular presence since coming through the academy system.

The midfielder featured 29 times in the regular league campaign last season, with the team coming third in the table.

However, the Lions’ promotion hopes came to an end when they lost 2-0 to Hull City in the play-off semi-final, with Mitchell not featuring in either of the clashes against the Tigers.

And the expiration of his contract led to the 26-year-old departing the club earlier this summer, which opened the door for his move to the Owls.

He will be reunited with Bannan at Hillsborough, who made his return to the League One side just six months after signing for Millwall.

Sheffield Wednesday have until 1 September to conclude any remaining transfer business, with more signings expected between now and then.

The Yorkshire outfit will be hoping to get back to a competitive level in League One next season after coming bottom of the Championship in 2025/26.

Pedersen’s side returns to action on 15 August with a trip to face Leyton Orient.

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Barry Bannan is important to Sheffield Wednesday on and off the pitch

Having Bannan back at Sheffield Wednesday will obviously be helpful on the pitch given his performances in the Championship last season.

But the signing of Mitchell also shows how significant he can be off the field for the club too, as he can be an effective salesman to players for why to join this new project.

There is a lot of positivity around Sheffield Wednesday under Arise Capital, and the way they’re going about things since taking over is quite exciting, so it will be naturally appealing to players.

Bringing in somebody with Mitchell’s experience is another strong move in the transfer market, and fans will now be looking forward to the season getting underway.