Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan has shared news about his future that might leave some Owls fans worried.
The Scottish midfielder has been with the Owls since 2015 when he joined on a free transfer from Crystal Palace.
The now 35-year-old has experienced ups and downs with the club, including a Championship play-off final defeat to Hull City and relegation to League One.
However, there’s uncertainty over his future after Bannan shared that his contract is set to expire this summer.
What has Bannan said about his Sheffield Wednesday future?
Speaking to The Star ahead of their trip to Plymouth Argyle in the Championship, Bannan confirmed his contract is due to end at the end of this season.
Given his importance to the club, even at the age of 35, Owls fans will likely be uneasy hearing this. However, the midfielder was quick to reassure fans it’s not something he’s too stressed about:
“I feel fine about it.
“My job is to play week-in, week-out for this club and to concentrate on the games. I’ve always found that when I’ve been in my last year before, if you go out and do the business out on the pitch, then the likelihood is that you’ll get rewarded at the end of the season.
“I know the chairman very well now, and you don’t tend to get new contracts during the season, it’s obviously dealt with at the end of the season when the job is done, so I feel fine. A lot of people worry about getting injured or whatever, but it’s football. I’ve been around it long enough to know that I just have to concentrate and perform until the end of the season.”
Bannan, who’s played over 400 games for the club, finished by making it clear that if a contract is offered, he will be extending his stay in Sheffield.
How important is Bannan to Sheffield Wednesday?
Since joining the club at the beginning of the 2015/16 season, Bannan has been a key part of the club. He’s developed into a leader both with his actions and performances on the pitch.
This season has been no different for Bannan. The club have flourished under manager Danny Rohl, going from surviving relegation on the final day to having an outside shot at the Championship play-offs this campaign.
Rohl’s style has also allowed Bannan to flourish. In 32 Championship games, he has seven goal involvements but is often the one starting the attacks by picking the ball up deep.
Bannan’s averaging 1.8 key passes per game, the highest in the team, and averages 65.3 touches per game.
His performances in the league have been recognised by Sofascore with a 7.27 average rating – again the highest in the team.
How bad would it be if Bannan did leave?
It’s important to start by saying that it looks likely, based on Bannan’s comments now and in the past, that he will stay. However, if the unthinkable does happen and Bannan leaves, it won’t be good news for Sheffield Wednesday.
Many Owls fans will say that the club’s failed to find an adequate replacement for the Scottish man in the last few years. Now aged 35, the Owls will surely need to start planning for the future.
That being said, Bannan doesn’t show any signs of slowing down anytime soon. He’s played 87 minutes on average in 32 games, totalling 2778 minutes. This in a team that plays pressing football under Rohl.
Sheffield Wednesday do have talented youngsters in their academy, but whether they’re ready to make the step up is unknown.
Sean Fusire has featured for the Owls in four EFL Cup games this season and looks an exciting prospect. He’s currently on loan at League Two side Carlisle United.
They also have 20-year-old Rio Shipston who’s currently on loan at Cork City. Shipston’s grabbed two assists in three games for Cork City. He could potentially fill the void left by Bannan when he departs.
One thing is certain, Sheffield Wednesday do need to start planning for life without Bannan, whenever that may come.