Barry Bannan 'return' claim made by Sheffield Wednesday as Millwall transfer confirmed | OneFootball

Barry Bannan has officially made the switch from Sheffield Wednesday to Millwall

Sheffield Wednesday have left the door open for a return to the club for Barry Bannan following confirmation of his departure to Millwall.

The Owls agreed terms with their Championship rivals, with the midfielder ending his association with the club after over 10 years.

The 36-year-old played in all 28 of the team’s league fixtures so far this season, and many had expected him to end his career at Hillsborough.

However, he has put pen to paper on an 18-month deal with the Lions amid significant financial issues for the Yorkshire outfit.

Gary Rowett will be hoping that the experienced Bannan will be able to make an immediate impact at the Den, with the team chasing a top six finish in the second division.

Sheffield Wednesday open door for Barry Bannan return

Sheffield Wednesday have confirmed the departure of Bannan after over 10 years with the club, including becoming first team captain, but they have left the door open for a return in the future.

The Owls have wished him all the best in the next steps in his career, with the midfielder departing Hillsborough as a fan favourite for his service to the team since joining in 2015.

“Given the club’s current position in Administration, the Administrators are unable to give the assurances that Barry was understandably seeking,” wrote the club, via their official website.

“Equally, the preferred bidder was unable to make any binding commitments to Barry until the regulatory process, which remains ongoing, is completed and ownership formally changes.

“Barry leaves Sheffield Wednesday as one of the club’s modern greats, an inspirational leader on both sides of the white line.

“Through promotion pushes, relegation battles and periods of extreme difficulty, his commitment, professionalism and passion for Sheffield Wednesday have never wavered.

“He departs with the deepest respect and gratitude of everyone at Hillsborough, and we all hope he returns to Sheffield Wednesday in some capacity in the future.”

Sheffield Wednesday remain in administration, as the club awaits ratification from the EFL for the bid led by James Bord.

The offer was named as the preferred choice to purchase the Championship side on 24 December, but it has yet to be confirmed by the league.

The Yorkshire outfit are all but guaranteed to be relegated this season, with the side sitting bottom of the table and 37 points adrift of safety.

Next up for Sheffield Wednesday will be a home clash against Wrexham on 31 January in a 12.30pm kick-off.

Barry Bannan departure is the end of an era

Bannan is an incredibly popular figure at Sheffield Wednesday, and his departure is a real blow for the first team.

The financial difficulties at Hillsborough over the last 12 months have ravaged the club, and they have been left with very few experienced players like the 36-year-old.

Pedersen’s side are going to continue to struggle for results between now and May, and it is an extremely difficult time for supporters.

But there is no doubt that Bannan will some day return to the club, and he will be welcomed with open arms, and 14 February is now a day for the calendars as it will be when Millwall next visit Hillsborough for a league meeting.