Barry Bannan set for Sheffield Wednesday return? David Storch told to take 'no-brainer' transfer action | OneFootball

The US consortium have reportedly discussed a return for the former Owls captain

The emotional end to Barry Bannan’s decade-long Sheffield Wednesday tenure could soon reach a more fitting conclusion.

According to a report from Joe Crann, Wednesday have held internal talks over a comeback for the former Owls captain, who joined promotion hopefuls Millwall in the January transfer window.

Wednesday are anticipated to be massively overhauled by preferred bidder David Storch and his Arise Capital consortium, who are expected to complete a takeover of the Owls after six months in administration.

As part of that overhaul, however, the Americans have turned their eye to a familiar face to ground their makeover - a figure synonymous with the club’s modern identity, and one whose abrupt departure still lingers uncomfortably among supporters.

Barry Bannan’s return to Sheffield Wednesday is a “no-brainer” for David Storch

In light of the update on Bannan’s future, Football League World spoke to in-house Owls expert Patrick McKenna for his feelings on a potential return for the Scotsman.

“In regards to a possible return for Barry Bannan, it would be an absolute no-brainer to get him back,” McKenna told FLW.

“If possible I know next season, it is all about rebuild and it's gonna probably be the biggest overhaul in the club's history and that's part of us we do need in new players with a focus on youth to help structure going forward.

“But fans have to remember that next season is gonna be a huge battle. 
We're gonna be starting on the back foot - we are gonna have some very tough games.

“League One can be a slog and teams will be out to take a scalp against us.

“Although we want to have young players helping shape our future, we've seen this season that if you're going to have younger players, you need some experience around them.

“And who better than club legend Barry Bannan to come in and provide some guidance and experience.

“You can only imagine how useful it would be if the option there was to turn to someone like Bannan.

“He doesn't have to stop, start, and finish every game and we don't want to be in a situation where every play's going through him, but he would be such an invaluable asset at League One level.

“Skill wise, he'll still be right up there in that division, he's a level above League One, so if we could have him back to play a vital role at the club and provide experience and guidance, I think it would raise the mood of the fans as well to see Bannan come back.

“It was heartbreaking how his spell had to end now, it seemed undignified. So Bannan back is an absolute no-brainer and hopefully it's something we can arrange for next season.”

Where Barry Bannan fits in Sheffield Wednesday’s League One rebuild

The emotional case for Bannan’s return is straightforward. The footballing case, however, demands a more nuanced reading of where Wednesday are - and where they intend to go.

The club is attempting to reconstruct itself from complete institutional failure. Administration, points deductions and squad depletion have stripped Wednesday back to their foundations.

What follows will not be a typical League One campaign but one shaped by constraint and, most likely, compromise.

Within that context, Bannan’s potential role becomes clearer. He would not be returning as the all-consuming focal point he once was, nor should he.

At 36, and with the physical demands of League One unforgiving in their own way, the idea of building once again around him would risk repeating the structural dependency that defined previous cycles.

Instead, his value lies in modulation.

League One is often framed as a test of physicality, but promotion-winning sides at this level consistently demonstrate something more subtle: control.

The ability to manage tempo, to navigate hostile away fixtures and to impose rhythm on chaotic matches frequently separates contenders from also-rans. In that regard, Bannan remains uniquely equipped.

Even in a reduced capacity, his technical security and spatial awareness would offer a reference point for an Owls squad otherwise likely to be inexperienced and newly assembled.

There is also the question of a cultural reset. New ownership, a new executive structure and a likely influx of players risk creating a disconnect between club and dressing room.

Bannan, as a figure who has lived through the Owls’ highs and lows, embodies continuity in a way few others can.

Perhaps the most compelling argument for a reunion, though, is rooted in timing rather than tactics or sentimentality. Wednesday are entering a season in which early results may be poor and expectations uncertain. In such an environment, leadership will be all important.

Bannan, even now, offers that in abundance. The question is not whether he can still influence games at League One level - evidence suggests he can - but whether Wednesday can finally construct a team that no longer depends on him to do so.