Barry Bannan drops big update on his Sheffield Wednesday future | OneFootball

The Owls’ captain insists he is open to staying but acknowledges the club’s stance on contract decisions.

Sheffield Wednesday are due to find themselves at their annual contract impasse this summer, with at least 9 senior players set to leave as free agents.

Perhaps most worrying of the players due to leave S6 is captain and talismanic midfielder Barry Bannan.

The former Scottish international has spoken before the Owls’ clash with Plymouth Argyle on his future at Hillsborough.

Barry Bannan: “If I get a new deal, I’ll sign it”

Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield, Bannan said: “My contract is up at the end of the season. Feeling fine - like I said my job’s to play week in week out for this club and concentrate on the games - I’ve always found, I’ve been in my last year here before - if you go out and do the business on the pitch, then the likelihood is you’ll be rewarded for that at the end of the season”

“I know the Chairman very well now, you’re unlikely to get contracts in the middle of the season, it’ll always be at the end of the season when the job’s done.” He said of the nature of off-pitch dealings at Wednesday.

“So I’m fine, I’m feeling fine, I know a lot of people sometimes worry about getting injured but it’s football and I’ve been here long enough to know I’ve got to concentrate on performing here until the end of the season.”

“I’ve been happy with how my season’s gone so far, but I’d like it to be a bit better as well, so eleven games left to push, try and score more goals, get more assists, get more wins for the football club.”

In a direct assessment of his summer prospects, Bannan told reporters: “We’ll look at it at the end of the season and if I get a new deal, I’ll sign it - and if I don’t, I’ll try and find something else.”

Sheffield Wednesday should retain undoubtedly retain Bannan’s services

Sheffield Wednesday find themselves at a critical juncture under Danny Röhl, with a significant summer overhaul looming.

With at least 9 senior players out of contract, the need for continuity is paramount. At the heart of this uncertainty is Bannan, a player whose leadership and experience have been instrumental in guiding the club through both triumph and adversity.

His unequivocal commitment to staying, should a new contract be offered, presents the club with a clear opportunity to secure stability in an otherwise uncertain landscape.

Retaining the Scot would not only safeguard a crucial on-field presence but also provide much-needed continuity, particularly given the growing speculation surrounding Röhl’s future.

Reports linking the manager with a potential move to Southampton raise the prospect of significant upheaval both on and off the pitch. In such a scenario, the absence of a figure as influential as Bannan would only compound the challenge of transition.

The decision now rests with the club. Offering Bannan a new contract would signal a commitment to preserving leadership and experience at a time when both are in short supply.

In a summer of inevitable change, securing his future could provide the foundation Sheffield Wednesday need to navigate the challenges ahead.