Barry Bannan speaks after leaving Millwall and returning to Sheffield Wednesday, signing a one year deal with the League One club.
Finally, the Owls have confirmed his signing, days after he was spotted turning up to their first team training session.
Two months ago, speculation first emerged that Barry Bannan, who had been on a short-term contract with Millwall, was looking at making a return to Sheffield Wednesday following Millwall’s playoff defeat. Barry Bannan’s wife ended up deleting Twitter account after backlash to a tweet. More on that HERE.
Welcome home, Baz! 🦉
Barry Bannan returns to the Owls on a permanent transfer from Millwall.
— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) July 9, 2026
Barry Bannan departs Millwall.
— Millwall FC (@MillwallFC) July 9, 2026
Barry Bannan spotted in #SWFC training kit at St. George’s Park with the rest of the squad.
📸 @GeoffSWFC pic.twitter.com/ezwboBFm7d
— Owls Extra (@OwlsExtra) July 6, 2026
A club statement on swfc.co.uk read: “Sheffield Wednesday Football Club are delighted to confirm the return of Barry Bannan.
“Arriving from Millwall, Bannan has signed a one-year contract to extend his storied career at Hillsborough.
“The Scot went on to earn iconic status in S6 after first joining the club during the 2015/16 season on a free transfer.
“Bannan clocked a colossal 477 appearances through a decade-long stay at Hillsborough and is currently sixth on the Owls’ all-time list.
“Back at his spiritual home, the midfield talisman is delighted to be back.”
Barry said: “This club means so much to me and my family so to have the opportunity to come back, I didn’t have to think twice about it. I’m just delighted and I can’t wait to get going again.
“I always had it in my mind I would be coming back to Wednesday in some capacity so to get this done now is brilliant. There’s a lot of optimism and excitement around the place – we are on the up.
“We know what this season requires – a lot of hard work and togetherness with everyone fighting for each other, everyone on the same page. Obviously, I know everyone from last season and the new lads already seem at home, so there’s a lot to look forward to and I’m just so pleased to be back part of it.”
“This club means so much to me and my family…”
Back home 💙
— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) July 9, 2026
Sporting Director, Simon Wilson, said: “A lot is said about Barry’s status within the fan base, but not enough about the quality of footballer he is. This isn’t a sentimental move; it is an opportunity to bring in a player whose creativity continues to rank amongst the best in the Championship.
“Barry is a leader, and over the past six months he demonstrated that he can consistently influence games at a level above the one we will compete at this season. His return can be a catalyst for the team we are building, the momentum we want to create and the standards we set.
“This is Barry’s home and, while he needs no introduction, we are signing him because of what we believe he will contribute now, not because of what he has achieved before. We are delighted to welcome him back to Sheffield Wednesday.”
Millwall issued a brief statement, saying on their website: “Millwall Football Club can confirm that Barry Bannan has completed a permanent transfer to Sheffield Wednesday.
“The 36-year-old made 16 appearances for The Lions since joining from The Owls in January 2026, but now heads back to Hillsborough.
“The club would like to thank Barry for his efforts whilst with Millwall.”
Barry Bannan, regardless of what he’s achieved at Hillsborough before, brings undisputed quality to the table. He was still influencing games in the Championship last season. Quality signing for League One. Will be a pleasure to see him back in blue & white again.#SWFC
— George Smith (@_GeorgeSmith99) July 9, 2026
Here’s how fans reacted as Barry Bannan speaks after leaving Millwall and returning to Sheffield Wednesday…
@DJ_WAWAWA: Sorry but am I the only one who can’t forgive? If the club means that much to him why go in the first place. It’s like taking an ex back after they cheated on you !! 😔😔
@Dronfield_Owl: Agree mate, first wrong move for me, will be taking a fair wedge out of the wage budget as well but it’s a sentimental fan base who always want to go back, should have taken the opportunity to move on.
@Colo_swfc06: And just like that we’re officially back, welcome home Wee man #swfc
@wednesdavewells: Now THIS is actually the most beautiful thing I’ve seen in a long time.
@demi_l0: Final bit of closure this. That day at Ashton Gate was horrible, it was more than just him leaving, it felt like there was no end to the mess we were in. Chapter now closed.
@harvey_walters_: love simon wilson’s quotes about why we are signing him. bannan is still easily a championship midfielder, this isn’t a sentimental move
@TrentonBooth: Welcome legend. Looking forward to more magical moments.
@MattF1867: So you’re telling me I had actual tears as a grown man in an away end for no reason….
@WereAllWeds1867:
🎵🎵 Weeee’ve got Bannan, Barry Bannan! 🎵🎵
Welcome back wee Scottish man. Hope you had a good holiday, we’ve missed you…. #swfc
@eckoowl: Oh my days. Welcome back. 👊
@TonyMid75486826: I’ve got something in my eye
@MillwallDolbs5: The most pointless signing ever, he was never up to our standards
@AchtungMillwall: Well it’s good to get the soap opera aspects of this over. It’s certainly one of the strangest Millwall transfers. BB is talented, highly experienced & seemed a decent bloke – he has his heart in Sheffield though & Alex Neil clearly didn’t see him in his plans. So it closes
@MillwallFC cheers for looking after him & keeping our club alive pic.twitter.com/li149taUgB
— Cole ▯🦉💙 (@swfccom_) July 9, 2026
— Tommy (@tcswfc) July 9, 2026
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