"Not the easiest thing" - Sheffield Wednesday: Danny Rohl issues message on Barry Bannan situation | OneFootball

Barry Bannan's long-term future at Sheffield Wednesday is uncertain as retirement looms

Danny Rohl has opened up on Sheffield Wednesday’s plans for Barry Bannan amid uncertainty over his future.

The 34-year-old has been with the Owls since 2015, and has become a leader both on and off the pitch for the club over the last nine years.

However, uncertainty surrounds his future as he nears the end of his playing career.

Bannan’s exit from the first team squad will be a significant moment for the Yorkshire outfit given how important he’s been in recent years.

He even remains a crucial part of the starting lineup this year, playing in all nine of their opening league fixtures to start the current campaign (all stats from Fbref).

Danny Rohl opens up on Barry Bannan’s future

Rohl has admitted that it will be difficult to replace someone as important as Bannan whenever the time comes, but that the recruitment team is working hard already on that process.

However, the German coach has credited the player with still having the hunger to compete at this level and intensity so frequently, indicating Bannan may still have plenty of time left with Sheffield Wednesday.

“It's not the easiest thing to find a replacement for Barry Bannan,” said Rohl, via The Star.

“Of course it is something we have to look for and we will do this, it's a top topic for us in the recruitment.

“In his body at the moment he is still fit, he can run and he enjoys football.

“So he can play!

“Especially in the Championship when you play such high intensity football every three days, again and again, maybe there comes a moment where you think it is enough.

“But he likes to train every day, he has a big smile in training, he always wants to play and he is open-minded for all the things.

“Maybe after his career, he starts a new career in a different position.”

Barry Bannan’s importance to Sheffield Wednesday

Bannan signed for Sheffield Wednesday in 2015, making the switch from Crystal Palace, and has gone on to make over 400 appearances for the club.

He has made over 40 league appearances in seven of the last eight full campaigns, featuring a total of 375 times between the Championship and League One.

The versatile midfielder and attacker has also contributed 31 goals and 60 assists in that time as well, including two and one from this season.

Bannan recently signed a new contract last May to extend his stay at Sheffield Wednesday for another campaign, but it remains to be seen whether he will continue beyond this year.

Bannan is proving he’s still got plenty in the tank

Bannan has played a total 782 minutes out of a possible 810 in the Championship so far this season, showing he still has a lot to offer the team.

He’s still scoring and assisting and generally performing quite well, so there should be no fears over needing to immediately replace him as soon as January.

While he may feel this is his last season, his performances suggest another year is still possible.

However, Sheffield Wednesday are right to be planning ahead for his eventual retirement, as replacing someone of his importance will be difficult.