Barry Bannan left Sheffield Wednesday for Millwall during the January transfer window, ending his 10-and-a-half-year relationship with the club.

In that decade, the Scot was Hillsborough’s heartbeat – a small midfielder with a massive influence, directing tempo, driving standards, and dragging the team forward when it counted the most. In every way, he became a contemporary Wednesday legend.

Now 36, he will retire with Wednesday more than any other club. He made 86 appearances for Aston Villa, the club where he spent the second most time, which pales in compared to his 477 games for Wednesday.

In reality, Bannan just visited Sheffield Wednesday for a charity event, and his love and admiration for the city, club, and fans is undeniable. He has made eight appearances for Millwall, four as a starter and two as an unused substitute.

While Wednesday has been demoted for some time, the Lions and Alex Neil have the potential to reverse the situation. They are presently fourth in the league and face competition for promotion from Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town.

Exciting Sheffield Wednesday transfer news featuring Millwall’s Barry Bannan.

If he is promoted, it will be Bannan’s third promotion in his career, and his second to the Premier League after a loan with Blackpool. It is unknown how likely he will be employed in the top level, particularly given his age.

It’s possible that Bannan will move on this summer. Many Wednesday supporters would love to see him back home. Bannan recently returned to Hillsborough wearing a Millwall shirt.

The 36-year-old signed an 18-month contract with Neil’s side in the winter, which will keep him there until 2027. His departure from S6 was partly due to a lack of understanding about what the future held during the long-running and ultimately unsuccessful James Bord bid.

With the Arise group of David Storch and co. hoping to complete a deal to buy the club before the end of the season, Joe Crann has disclosed that a potential reunion with Bannan is already being explored behind the scenes at Sheffield Wednesday.

Bannan’s other promotion came from League One, and the talismanic midfielder was instrumental in his team’s success, so many fans would welcome a reunion if it happened during the summer transfer window.

It is said that “just internal discussions have taken place” at this time. Whether a deal is conceivable for Bannan “remains to be seen”. However, there is a desire to bring the former captain back for the League One rebuild.

Barry Bannan could return to Sheffield Wednesday next season.

Despite the disappointment of his departure, it would be unsurprising if Bannan and Sheffield Wednesday crossed paths again in a footballing sense someday. Some football partnerships are unquestionably permanent.

Bannan’s relationship with Hillsborough supporters is undoubtedly one of them. A brief return as an experienced head in the locker room would not be the oddest reunion in the coming year or so. That final chapter must be written if they are to reach an agreement with Millwall.

Wednesday would require a significant amount of time away from the pitch for that. But they need a leader, and he is constantly organizing, demanding, and directing younger teammates throughout games. With this young core, it might be a no-brainer.

His awareness of Wednesday’s pressures would make him a popular and perhaps strong player behind the scenes. Bannan is certain to return to South Yorkshire shortly, whether in boots or as a coach on the sidelines.