Millwall’s transfer raid of Bradford City is good news for Sheffield Wednesday | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday should be pleased by the ramifications of Millwall's deal for a former Bradford City star

Millwall have been busy in the transfer market following last season's Championship play-off heartbreak, acquiring midfielder Jenson Metcalfe from Bradford City.

Metcalfe was nominated for last term's League One player of the season award, and played a key role as the Bantams reached the play-offs, where they were beaten by eventual promotion winners Bolton Wanderers in the semi-finals.

The 21-year-old, who rose through the academy ranks at Everton, appears ready for the step-up to the Championship and should be a real asset for Millwall next campaign.

Having steered the Lions to an impressive third-place finish in the second tier last term, boss Alex Neil will be keen to lead his side to another promotion push next season.

Millwall's Jenson Metcalfe deal should help Sheffield Wednesday seal return of Owls hero

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Metcalfe proved his tenacious nature in League One for Bradford last season, while he also acted as a deep-lying playmaker alongside recently departed former captain Max Power, who has returned to Wigan Athletic.

According to FotMob, the former Everton man won 214 duels and 61 aerial duels last season, demonstrating his ability to help protect his side's defence.

The 21-year-old also helped Bradford build attacks from deeper positions, showing some similar qualities to those of Sheffield Wednesday hero and current Millwall ace Barry Bannan.

Meanwhile, following an incredibly turbulent time in administration, Wednesday are now moving in the right direction again, thanks to new owner David Storch's recent takeover.

The Owls are vying to win an immediate promotion back to the Championship, having been relegated to League One, and need to enjoy a highly successful summer transfer window.

With that in mind, Wednesday have held discussions over bringing Bannan back to Hillsborough Stadium, following his winter transfer switch to Millwall.

The 36-year-old spent a decade and a half with the Owls before joining the Lions, and would jump at the chance to return to South Yorkshire if his current club were keen on facilitating such a move.

Bannan didn't start for Millwall in either of their Championship play-off semi-final clashes with Hull City, which has surely made him more keen to part company with Neil's side.

Furthermore, now that the Lions have signed Metcalfe from Bradford, they should be more open to parting company with the Scottish metronome, despite only landing his signature a few months ago.

While Metcalfe isn't as creative as Bannan, he has plenty of tools and potential to grow into an adequate replacement for the talented veteran.

Therefore, the Lions should be open to allowing the former Wednesday man to return to Hillsborough and help Henrik Pedersen's side return to the Championship.

Barry Bannan return would heavily bolster Wednesday's promotion chances

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Wednesday must undergo a major rebuild this summer, having lost several key players in both of the last two transfer windows, including Bannan.

Re-signing Bannan would heavily bolster their chances of winning promotion from League One, despite the tough year the Owls have endured.

Bannan played a key role the last time the S6 club won promotion from the third tier, notching seven goals and 13 assists in 44 league appearances during the 2022/23 season.

His Championship exploits last term prove that he would be capable of establishing himself as one of League One's best players once again next season.