Wrexham are pushing to land Championship veteran Barry Bannan—but face stiff competition from two second-tier rivals.
The 35-year-old playmaker is out of contract at Sheffield Wednesday and now looks set for a summer switch, with League One’s biggest spenders keen to swoop.
Wrexham Face Championship Competition For Elite Playmaker
According to reports from TEAMtalk, Wrexham are one of three clubs monitoring Bannan’s situation closely, with Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion also showing interest. The midfielder is yet to agree fresh terms at Hillsborough, making him a prime target on a free transfer.
Bannan, who joined Wednesday in 2015, has become a modern-day icon at S6—captaining the side through both League One and Championship campaigns and playing an instrumental role in their dramatic 2023 play-off promotion. But with the club mired in uncertainty over Danny Rohl’s future and financial strain behind the scenes, a clean exit now appears likely.
While West Brom are said to have cooled their interest, with Birmingham World reporting no formal contact, Wrexham and Stoke are both thought to be advancing their efforts. The Red Dragons, backed by their high-profile Hollywood owners, have shown no hesitation in targeting players with Championship credentials and see Bannan as the ideal addition to elevate their midfield.
What Bannan Would Bring
Wrexham have already made ambitious moves this summer, but signing Barry Bannan would represent a serious coup. The Welsh side are not only preparing for a first League One season in 20 years—they are openly targeting promotion to the Championship. In that context, Bannan’s experience, technical excellence, and leadership could prove invaluable.
For Stoke, the move would also make sense. They’re rebuilding under Steven Schumacher and are known to be seeking creative reinforcements. However, their pursuit may depend on whether they can offload other high earners before making Bannan a priority.
Writer’s View
There’s no doubt that Barry Bannan remains one of the most technically gifted midfielders outside the Premier League. For Wrexham to even be in the conversation speaks volumes about their ambition—and the reality that they are now an attractive destination for players who might once have dismissed them.
Stoke City offer Championship football, but Wrexham can offer Bannan the keys to a midfield and a starring role in a Hollywood-backed project. He’d be adored by the fans, trusted by the staff, and integral to their promotion hopes. This one will go down to the wire—but make no mistake, Wrexham are serious contenders.
