**Wrexham Eye Sheffield Wednesday Star Barry Bannan Amid Contract Uncertainty**
Wrexham AFC, the north Wales club propelled to international fame under the ownership of Hollywood duo Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, are now reportedly targeting Sheffield Wednesday’s captain Barry Bannan, a player once likened to Barcelona greats Andres Iniesta and Xavi. The seasoned midfielder faces mounting uncertainty as his long spell at Hillsborough nears its end, and Wrexham appear poised to capitalise on the turmoil at the Championship outfit.
Bannan, 35, has amassed an impressive 447 appearances for the Owls since joining the club in 2015. His future has been thrown into doubt by ongoing off-field issues at Wednesday, with some players reportedly still awaiting payment for May amidst a transfer embargo. The situation has inevitably led to questions over the fate of key players, with Bannan among those attracting interest from elsewhere.
Sources suggest Wrexham are monitoring the situation closely, reputedly ready to put forward an enticing salary package in a bid to lure the Scottish international to the Racecourse Ground. Despite claims from the Yorkshire-based press that Bannan has shown an inclination to remain loyal to Sheffield Wednesday, the club’s precarious finances may yet prove a factor in his decision.
It is no secret that Wrexham, fresh off their back-to-back promotions and entry into the Championship, are eager to strengthen their squad for the next campaign. Barry Bannan’s potential arrival would mark both a statement of intent and a noteworthy coup, given his reputation for skill and leadership on the pitch. With Reynolds and McElhenney at the helm, Wrexham have already showcased their ambition, leveraging global interest fuelled in part by the popular Disney+ series “Welcome to Wrexham”.
Bannan’s career first attracted international attention during his stint at Aston Villa, where then-manager Gerard Houllier spoke highly of the midfielder’s footballing intelligence and resilience. Houllier openly dismissed concerns about Bannan’s modest stature, drawing parallels with Spanish maestros Xavi and Iniesta, highlighting that top-level football rewards skill and astuteness over size. Such endorsements only cemented Bannan’s status as a player capable of influencing games at the highest level.
Following his time at Villa, the 27-cap Scotland international had spells at Crystal Palace and ultimately made Hillsborough his footballing home nearly a decade ago. Renowned for his technical prowess, vision and leadership qualities, Bannan has become a fan favourite at Wednesday and remains a significant figure in the squad.
While the midfielder is not the only high-profile name linked with Wrexham as they make their Championship preparations — with talk of interest in Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy and Fulham captain Tom Cairney — Bannan represents the kind of experienced, shrewd addition the club might pursue as they aim to consolidate their impressive rise.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson, when quizzed about transfer plans, has stressed a patient approach this summer. Speaking to The Leader newspaper, Parkinson acknowledged the complexities of the window, with many players and managers still on holiday, but affirmed the club’s determination to build a squad capable of thriving in the second tier.
As speculation mounts, many Wrexham supporters will be watching developments at Hillsborough closely, hopeful that the financial turmoil engulfing Wednesday may provide the Red Dragons with a unique opportunity to secure the services of such a decorated campaigner. For Bannan himself, the coming weeks could prove pivotal as he weighs up loyalty against the prospects and stability being offered from elsewhere.
With anticipation building for the new Championship season, and the story of Wrexham’s footballing renaissance continuing to draw fans from around the globe, the potential arrival of a midfielder once compared to Spain’s finest would add yet another remarkable chapter to the club’s resurgence. Whether a deal will materialise remains to be seen, but for now, the football world waits to see where Barry Bannan’s next adventure will lead him.