Sheffield Wednesday urged to take "essential" Barry Bannan action | OneFootball

Barry Bannan’s contract expiring at the end of the season leads to uncomfortable discussions about the Owls’ future

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sheffield Wednesday find themselves at their annual contract impasse this summer, with none more crucial than that of Barry Bannan.

The Owls captain has still accumulated 35 starts in the 24/25 season, belying his 35 years.

Yet, while Bannan continues to defy age with his consistency and influence, the reality of his long-term future cannot be ignored.

At 35, each new contract becomes a calculated risk, especially in a squad that needs to begin to plan beyond the immediate season.

His technical ability and leadership remain invaluable, but Wednesday must weigh up whether another deal aligns with their long-term strategy or if the time has come to start transitioning to a future without their talisman.

Barry Bannan’s future at Sheffield Wednesday: why a new deal is essential

In light of Bannan’s contract beginning to run down, Football League World spoke to Sheffield Wednesday fan pundit Patrick McKenna on whether the Scot was deserving of a new contract.

“In regards to Barry Bannan’s contract, yes it’s up again at the end of the season. Does he deserve a new one? Absolutely, it’s essential that he gets his new contract.” McKenna told FLW.

“I know he is 35 but you just wouldn’t know him watching him, he has the energy and fitness of someone much younger, it’s almost as if he’s not acting his age heading into the end of his career.”

McKenna was also asked how long Bannan could still be relied on as a regular starter.

“He definitely has a bit longer at the club, but it’s really quite hard to nail down exactly how long as a regular starter but I would say next season, definitely.”

“He’ll be fit to have another full season, a Barry Bannan season where he barely misses a game. Possibly take a season-by-season approach with this one, but I’d certainly say even the season after that, if he isn’t starting every week, he’s someone you definitely want to have in the squad.”

“However, this is something that needs to be addressed and planned for, which hasn’t been done - a succession plan for Barry Bannan. As good as he is, he is 35, and he can’t go on forever. He is a key fulcrum to this team, almost at times too much reliance is on Barry Bannan, so there needs to be a succession plan - to get in a younger player who will take up the role of Bannan, or probably more sensibly two new players who can take over from Bannan.”

“I could see him here at the club for a few more years - but yeah, we’ll have to phase out that main responsibility every game to other players, and especially as well with Shea Charles’ loan being up at the end of the season, unfortunately as brilliant as he is, Shea Charles was only a loan, he wasn’t a permanent addition, so he wasn’t a part of the succession plan.”

“Certainly, Barry Bannan new contract, but it’s something that’s been kicked down the road a bit - there needs to be a succession plan for Bannan. It wouldn’t surprise me if there’s another two seasons he could start regularly for us.”

Sheffield Wednesday still need Barry Bannan, but must plan for the future

Sheffield Wednesday’s decision on Bannan’s future should, in reality, be a straightforward one.

The midfielder has made it abundantly clear that he wishes to stay, and with his performances showing no sign of significant decline, the club would be hard-pressed to justify letting him go. His presence in the squad extends beyond his technical ability - he is the team’s leader, its metronome in midfield, and a figurehead who embodies the club’s values.

While Wednesday must begin to plan for life after Bannan, they are yet to find a successor capable of replicating his influence.

The reliance on him remains evident, and without a clear replacement, allowing him to depart would create more problems than it would solve. A short-term contract extension, with a view to managing his minutes sensibly, appears to be the most pragmatic solution.

For a club that has struggled with recruitment in key areas, failing to retain its most consistent performer would present an unnecessary gamble.

Bannan has earned the right to continue leading his side, and with a structured transition plan in place, Wednesday can ensure they maximise his impact while preparing for the future.