Sheffield Wednesday’s prospective new owner David Storch has been urged to prioritise a summer move to bring back former captain Barry Bannan
Storch Urged to Re-Sign Bannan as Sheffield Wednesday Plot League One Reset
Sheffield Wednesday’s prospective new owner David Storch has been urged to prioritise a summer move to bring back former captain Barry Bannan—but only under strict conditions—as the club prepares for life in League One.
The Owls are edging closer to a long-awaited takeover by Arise Capital Partners, offering a glimmer of hope after one of the bleakest campaigns in their history. Still in administration nearly six months after the exit of Dejphon Chansiri, Wednesday’s relegation was confirmed as early as February—marking an unprecedented low point for the South Yorkshire side.
Despite the uncertainty, optimism is growing that the Arise-led consortium will complete their takeover before the final game of the season against West Bromwich Albion. However, concerns remain over a potential 15-point deduction next season, which could significantly impact their League One campaign.
Behind the scenes, manager Henrik Pedersen has already begun laying the groundwork for a squad rebuild. Among the key topics discussed internally is a possible reunion with Bannan, who left Hillsborough in January after over a decade of service.
During his 10-and-a-half-year spell, Bannan became a fan favourite, registering 37 goals and 75 assists in 477 appearances and cementing his status as one of the club’s modern greats. His departure to Millwall—amid interest from several clubs—was seen as the end of an era.
However, the move has yet to deliver the expected impact. The Scottish midfielder has struggled to secure a regular starting place at The Den, fuelling speculation that he could be available for transfer this summer.
That has reignited talk of a romantic return to Sheffield Wednesday—but pundits and supporters alike have warned that sentiment alone cannot drive recruitment decisions. Any deal to re-sign Bannan, they argue, must be financially sustainable and aligned with a long-term rebuild strategy.
With the club facing both sporting and financial challenges, Storch and his consortium are being advised to strike a careful balance between experience and future planning. While Bannan’s leadership and connection to the club are undeniable, there are concerns over his age and whether he fits into a younger, more dynamic squad designed to compete in League One and beyond.
As Sheffield Wednesday stand on the brink of a new chapter, the potential return of a club icon offers both emotional appeal and strategic risk. For Storch, the decision could set the tone for a critical summer—and define the early direction of a rebuilding project that fans hope will restore pride to Hillsborough.
