Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan is close to extending his stay at the club into an eleventh season, according to The Star.
The 35-year-old has enjoyed another excellent season at Hillsborough. Despite being in the twilight years of his career, he has been an ever-present under Danny Rohl, scoring four an assisting six goals in 45 appearances in all competitions.
Now closing in on 450 outings for the Owls, he has now moved into the club’s top 10 record appearance holders. The club confirmed in yesterday’s retained list that they were in contract discussions with the former Scotland international.
Contract Signing Never In Doubt?
The Star claim that all parties appear to be happy with the fresh terms that have been put on the table. However, that always appeared nothing more than a formality.
Speaking earlier this season, Bannan admitted he would love to end his career with Wednesday:
“I’ve been here a long time. They’ve been brilliant with me since I walked through the door. I’ve got a close bond with the fans and the club. It’s a place that I hold dear in my heart. I love it here.
10 more years, 10 more years…
Understand that Barry Bannan is close to agreeing terms on a new deal at #SWFC that would see him stay at Hillsborough for a little while longer. It’d give him chance to reach 450 games for the club.https://t.co/2jjh7V6s30 🦉⚽️
— Joe Crann (@YesWeCrann) May 16, 2025
“I’d love to end my career at Hillsborough if it was down to me. I’ve made that clear over a number of years now, I want to finish my career here. Sadly, sometimes that doesn’t happen in football. It’s down to the manager and the chairman, if they can keep putting up with me!”
The midfielder initially joined the Yorkshire-based outfit on a one-year deal from Crystal Palace on a one-year deal in 2015.
Writer’s View
Barry Bannan extending his stay at Sheffield Wednesday is perhaps the least surprising news of the summer so far. Although he is 35-years-old, his performances and the staggering amount of minutes he has played this season defy his age and he wholeheartedly deserves another deal. If he was to match this feat next season, he would move into the top five appearance holders at the Owls. Phenomenal achievement.
