Stoke City urged to seal "valuable" Sheffield Wednesday transfer | OneFootball

FLW's Stoke City fan pundit Sam Harrison has urged his club to sign out-of-contract Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan.

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…

Stoke City are one of a host of Championship sides monitoring Barry Bannan's contract situation at Sheffield Wednesday, as the 35-year-old's deal expires on June 30th, and no extension has been signed.

When you think of Sheffield Wednesday, the first player that will pop into most people's heads is the midfielder, who has been controlling the engine room in the Owls' midfield for over 10 years.

However, due to the ongoing financial turmoil at the Yorkshire club, the Wednesday club captain is yet to sign a contract extension, with just a matter of days left before his current deal expires.

Plenty of Championship clubs, including Stoke, are monitoring the unfolding situation with Bannan according to Fraser Fletcher via X as they look to convince him into a move at the twilight of his career.

Barry Bannan's experience would be "valuable" for Stoke City

Following the news that the Potters were interested in signing the veteran midfielder, Football League World spoke to their resident Stoke expert, Sam Harrison, gathering his thoughts on a potential deal for Bannan, and what he might bring to the table.

Harrison replied: "I think with the Barry Bannan one, I think it would be valuable experience - that's what you could call it, and I think both on and off the pitch, he adds to the table.

"You look at who Stoke lost in terms of who was released, that valuable Championship experience from the likes of Enda Stevens, Lyndon Gooch.

"There obviously would've been characters in that dressing room that were leaders, that were experienced, that know what to do, and I think Stoke have a young squad that won't have had as much experience as the likes of Barry Bannan.

"Having him in the dressing room to help and guide the young lads coming through. I think it's valuable, and it's what makes a good team.

"You look at Sunderland having the youngest average-aged team, they got promoted, but you look at some of the characters there, some of them have real, real good Championship experience that they've passed down and helped.

"I think that's what he'd bring to the table, and I think it's also one where, in the midfield, you feel Stoke are going to have a good midfield if we can keep hold of the likes of Wouter Burger," Sam concluded.

What Bannan's playing role could look like at Stoke City

Sam went on to discuss what sort of role the 35-year-old would play on the pitch, should he join Mark Robins' side for next season.

"I think Barry Bannan isn't going to be a definite starter, but he's going to be someone who can help you in games, knows exactly how to work it, and I think something that Stoke struggle with is playing out the game and doing the right thing - Bannan is one of them," he said.

"When he's against you, you can't stand him, but if he's playing for you, you don't mind him at all.

"Obviously depending on how [long] it [the contract] is, if it's a one-year contract, I think that's decent.

"At the end of the day, he's a solid footballer, and I think that he's one that if some Stoke fans aren't sure on him, he'll be able to prove that he still can do it at 35," he concluded.

Whilst age often puts supporters off signings, Bannan has continued to roll back the years, and nothing suggests that will stop. The experience he brings to the table makes him a no-brainer signing for the Potters, should he be available for free.