Sheffield Wednesday are facing a pivotal summer, with club captain Barry Bannan understood to be ready to walk away after nearly a decade of service, as reported by SportsBoom.
The 35-year-old has made 447 appearances since arriving from Crystal Palace in 2015, becoming a fixture in the Owls midfield and a firm fan favourite.
However, unpaid wages and a fresh transfer embargo have heightened concerns among senior players. The club failed to pay staff in full for May, triggering a Football League sanction and another round of criticism aimed at under-fire owner Dejphon Chansiri. The Thai businessman has also been charged by the FA over his handling of the situation—marking the second occasion this year that salaries have gone unpaid.
It had been reported Bannan had agreed terms on a new contract, but the uncertainty surrounding the club’s direction has reportedly forced him to reconsider. With his deal expiring at the end of June, he is now expected to leave on a free transfer.
Interest is already mounting. Wrexham are one of several clubs linked with the Scotsman, while Coventry City, Derby County and Stoke City are believed to have made initial enquiries in what would be considered a significant coup for any Championship side.
Bannan is not the only figure heading for the exit. Head coach Danny Röhl—appointed in October 2023—has also grown frustrated with the lack of stability. The German, widely credited with masterminding a strong finish to the 2024/25 campaign to avoid relegation, has been exploring new opportunities amid internal clashes with Chansiri.
Club at Breaking Point
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) issued a damning statement earlier this month, voicing its concern over repeated wage issues.
“Continued and ongoing delays to player and staff wages are unacceptable and need to be addressed without further delay. We will be continuing to support our members at Sheffield Wednesday until this situation is properly resolved.”
The club’s off-field chaos threatens to undo the progress made under Röhl last season, with sources indicating that multiple out-of-contract players could follow Bannan out the door unless the situation improves swiftly.
As things stand, Sheffield Wednesday face another summer of rebuilding, but this time under the cloud of growing disillusionment and financial fragility.
Writer’s View
The potential loss of Barry Bannan is more than just a change in personnel—it’s the symbolic breaking of a bond between player and club forged over a decade. While his age may point to a natural end to his time at the club, it’s the circumstances of his likely departure that will sting the most for supporters.
The ongoing dysfunction under Dejphon Chansiri has not only impacted the wage bill but is also tearing at the very fabric of the dressing room. If Bannan and Röhl both depart, Wednesday risk losing not just their tactical spine, but also the leadership that carried them through past challenges. Without swift resolution, a turbulent summer could quickly descend into crisis.
