Exclusive: Middlesbrough and Millwall considering swoop for Sheffield Wednesday’s Barry Bannan
Barry Bannan’s loyalty to Sheffield Wednesday is well documented, but Championship rivals Middlesbrough and Millwall are circling amid the mounting turmoil at Hillsborough.
The veteran midfielder, who has captained the Owls through thick and thin, remains committed to the club he’s served for nearly a decade. However, with his contract having expired at the end of June and no renewal officially confirmed, his future remains uncertain — a situation that hasn’t gone unnoticed elsewhere in the Championship.
Sources have told The Star that both Middlesbrough and Millwall are exploring the possibility of bringing the Scottish playmaker on board, with both clubs keen to add experience and leadership to their midfield ranks. Boro manager Rob Edwards is said to be an admirer of Bannan’s football intelligence and composure, while Millwall boss Neil Harris believes the 34-year-old could be the ideal influence in a youthful dressing room.
Yet, for Bannan, the preference is still clear — he wants to stay at Sheffield Wednesday.
Despite the expiration of his deal, Bannan has continued training with the team during pre-season, underlining his desire to remain part of the project at S6. Those close to the player say he’s “desperate” to don the blue and white once again in the 2025/26 campaign, but off-field instability is making that increasingly difficult.
The club is, by all accounts, in a state of disarray. Ongoing financial issues have led to reports of late wage payments, with talk of possible dressing room walkouts and even strike action. Owner Dejphon Chansiri remains under intense scrutiny, with fans and insiders alike deeply concerned by the club’s preparation — or lack thereof — ahead of the new Championship season.
Wednesday currently look like one of the most unprepared sides the division has seen in recent years. Their recruitment has stalled, squad morale appears fragile, and the uncertainty surrounding senior players like Bannan only adds to the growing sense of crisis.
If the Owls cannot resolve their internal chaos and offer Bannan the assurances he needs, they risk losing not just a player but a figurehead who has embodied the club’s spirit through relegations, promotions, and everything in between.
For Middlesbrough and Millwall, the next few days could be pivotal. Both clubs know that time is of the essence — if Wednesday don’t act swiftly to secure Bannan’s future, they may well find themselves watching him lead the charge for a Championship rival instead.
It would be a bitter pill for Owls supporters to swallow, but in a summer defined by uncertainty, Bannan’s situation has become a lightning rod for wider frustrations.
One way or another, his future looks set to be decided soon. The question is: will it be in Sheffield, or elsewhere?
Read more on;https://www.sportupdates.co.uk
Leave a Reply