Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan faces an uncertain future at the club, with his contract set to expire this summer. Despite playing a key role in helping the Owls secure a top-half finish in the Championship, Bannan is among several senior players approaching the end of their deals. Others in the same situation include Pol Valentin, Michael Ihiekwe, Marvin Johnson, Stuart Armstrong, Anthony Musaba, Josh Windass, Callum Paterson, and Michael Smith.
Since arriving at Hillsborough on a free transfer from Crystal Palace in 2015, Bannan has become a pivotal figure and something of a club legend over nearly a decade. At 35, he remains a valuable contributor, registering four goals and six assists in 45 appearances this season. He has repeatedly expressed his desire to finish his playing career at Wednesday, showing no signs of a lack in quality despite his age.
However, uncertainty looms not just over Bannan’s future, but also that of manager Danny Rohl, who is reportedly set to leave the club this summer. Until a new manager is appointed, decisions about contract renewals — including Bannan’s — may be put on hold, leaving fans and players in limbo.
Supporters and analysts alike are urging the club to plan ahead, particularly regarding the midfield. Patrick McKenna, a fan pundit for Football League World, stressed the importance of preparing for life after Bannan. While acknowledging the veteran’s continued impact, McKenna highlighted that the team can’t afford to rely on him indefinitely, especially with loan player Shea Charles returning to Southampton and Stuart Armstrong only signed on a short-term basis.
McKenna warned that the current midfield options are thin, and the club should already have begun integrating younger players to take pressure off Bannan. He believes Bannan may still have a few strong seasons left, but his recent injury toward the end of the campaign is a reminder that he may no longer be able to maintain the physical demands of playing week in and week out.
| Barry Bannan’s stats for Sheffield Wednesday (as per Transfermarkt) | |
| Appearances | 447 |
| Goals | 34 |
| Assists | 72 |
The club now faces a difficult but necessary conversation. While Bannan’s loyalty and performance have allowed the Owls to delay succession planning, his advancing age and recent injury signal the need for change. Finding someone to eventually fill his boots will be a daunting task, but the process must begin now — not after he decides to leave. Being proactive in identifying and nurturing a future replacement is essential to ensuring long-term stability in the heart of Wednesday’s midfield.
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