Derby County have emerged as one of three clubs reportedly targeting a surprising transfer for Sheffield Wednesday skipper Barry Bannan.
Championship Rivals Join the Race
Championship sides Stoke City and Coventry City are also said to be monitoring Bannan’s situation. Despite being offered a new contract to remain at Hillsborough, the veteran midfielder is believed to be weighing his options following the EFL’s recent sanction against Wednesday. The club has been hit with a three-window transfer fee ban due to late wage payments, which could complicate their efforts to retain key players.
Wrexham Interest Sparks Broader Competition
Wrexham were previously the club most strongly linked with a move for Bannan, but according to Sportsboom, other Championship teams have now entered the race for his signature.
Return to Pride Park?
A return to Derby County would not be unfamiliar territory for Bannan. He previously spent time at Pride Park on loan from Aston Villa earlier in his career. Notably, he reminded Rams fans of his quality last season when he scored a brilliant long-range goal in Sheffield Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Derby.
Tensions and Reception at Pride Park
Reflecting on that encounter, Bannan expressed confusion over the hostile reaction he received from Derby fans during the match.
“I had a bee in my bonnet at half-time,” he told BBC Sheffield. “The Derby fans were battering me in the first half and got me booked, so I had a personal vendetta in the second half to come out and do something special.”
Bannan added that he had expected a warmer welcome given his prior stint at the club. “I enjoyed my spell here when I was younger, so it was a bit weird that they were booing me… hence why the celebration was so dramatic.”
Still Influential Despite Age
Now entering the later stages of his career, the 34-year-old remains a pivotal figure at Hillsborough. Under manager Danny Rohl last season, Bannan featured in 45 matches, scoring four goals and contributing four assists.
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