Sheffield Wednesday wage cap change hands them Barry Bannan boost | OneFootball

Recent financial news opens the door for the Scotsman to return to Hillsborough.

When Barry Bannan departed Sheffield Wednesday for Millwall in late January, there was an inevitability that he might return to Hillsborough given his emotional connection with the club.

The 36-year-old made 16 appearances for the Lions, including two in the play-offs, as Alex Neil's side were eliminated by Hull City in the semi-finals.

Bannan has already been linked with a return to Sheffield Wednesday despite only moving to South East London five months ago, but since Wednesday were taken over by David Stoch, there is realistic hope that he may indeed come home.

Now, the Owls have been given another boost that opens the door to the Scotsman returning to South Yorkshire this summer.

Sheffield Wednesday wage cap news paves way for Barry Bannan move

Under the ownership of Dejphon Chansiri, Wednesday were stunted in several ways as his poor financial leadership led to relegation to League One.

Heading into the summer, the club are in a much healthier position under Storch and Co, but they are still under a fee restriction until the end of the 2026-27 season, meaning they cannot pay a transfer or loan fee for any player until after that point.

The Owls will therefore be targeting free transfers and free agents this summer, but there has been a development that will help them to bring in a higher calibre of player.

Sheffield Wednesday will not be subject to a £7,000 weekly wage cap following Storch's takeover, discussions with the EFL and clarification of the club’s operating conditions after administration.

With Bannan currently earning an estimated £17,500 per week at the Den, according to Capology, the Scot is now a more realistic acquisition should Wednesday decide to pursue him.

It has been reported that the Owls have held internal discussions about bringing the midfielder back to South Yorkshire, while Millwall will reportedly not stand in his way this summer.

Why Bannan move a no-brainer for the Owls

As long as Sheffield Wednesday can lure Bannan to Hillsborough on a free transfer, then it makes perfect sense to bring him back to the club.

The 36-year-old has a year remaining on his contract and has only made six starts for Millwall since joining in the winter window.

With the Lions surely targeting promotion next season, they could make more acquisitions in the hub of midfield that push him further down the pecking order.

League One would represent the perfect level for the Scot to shine, and what better club to get back to his best than the one he spent more than a decade at.

The 36-year-old has 40 goal involvements in 80 appearances in the third tier, while his leadership qualities in the hub of midfield are invaluable.

Furthermore, bringing him back to Hillsborough would be a sure way for Storch to appease the supporters, who would welcome him back with open arms.

Even when the club were in the mire, and Bannan was not getting paid, he remained loyal to the cause and often spoke publicly about his love for the club and the area as a whole.

Some might say that the club should look forward and acquire younger talent, but given the club's recent past and current situation, it would be wise to bring in someone who lives and breathes the club, while his wages would not break the bank.