Barry Bannan Is Moving on: Preston North End Bid £500k

10 Years Strong

It is a hard day for Sheffield Wednesday fans as their main man for the past 10 years looks to be moving on from The Owls, as Championship clubs are eyeing a move for the 36-year-old.

It has been reported that Preston North End are the first side to pounce on the opportunity to sign Bannan for a fee of around £500k. Other Championship clubs are also interested in the Scotsman, such as Millwall and Stoke City. Two Scottish clubs are also apparently interested but Preston have made their case early to try and sign Bannan.

It could be the end of the Bannan and Sheffield Wednesday era. What a sad day it will be.

🚨Preston North End have submitted a bid of around £400,000 for Sheffield Wednesday midfielder, Barry Bannan (36) #pnefc #swfc pic.twitter.com/r6yvVVH13b

— PNE Chatter (@PNEChatter) January 18, 2026

£500K For a 36-year-old?

On paper, £500k for most Championship clubs is a fair amount of money for a player. When they are also 36, it could seem like a strange move. In Preston and Bannan's case, it is more of a low risk with high reward.

Bannan is still playing like one of the best midfielders in the league despite being at the tail end of his career. With Sheffield Wednesday completely down and out in the league, his talents are being wasted. Loyalty can never not be appreciated, but sometimes you have to do what's best for the player.

Bannan would slot into Preston's midfield right away and wouldn't need any adjusting to the league. Additional quality would be so beneficial for Preston at a very important time in the season. They sit just inside the play-offs in sixth, and a player like Bannan could help them potentially stay in the play offs come the end of the season.

The only question mark is the £500k rumoured bid. It might not seem like a lot by many fans, but it is a decent chunk of money for Championship clubs. Bannan doesn't have many years ahead of him for sure, but the quality is still there of course. If he can take Preston to that next level then it is definitely worth it, especially if his wages aren't too high.

However, if it doesn't work out for him then Preston fans might've hoped their money was better spent elsewhere.

Stats This Season

In a subpar Sheffield Wednesday side that lacks any real goal threat, Bannan's wand of a left foot has still managed three goals and three assists in 26 appearances.

However, Bannan's game isn't classed off of just goals and assists since has created over 40 chances in the league for Sheffield Wednesday - one of the highest out of any player. Considering the players around him, that is a ridiculous stat.

If you haven't watched Bannan play live, just do yourself a favour and watch at least a half of the next game he plays in. He is constantly on the move and you will find yourself struggling to keep up with him.

Heartbreak For Wednesday

What will be a gift for one side will be sadness for another. Bannan isn't just a Sheffield Wednesday player, the club runs through his veins.

Over 10 years of dedication and fighting between divisions, it has been a fun ride for Bannan. Deep down he probably knew that he could play for better clubs, but he didn't hesitate in sticking around for the club that he loves. His family also urged him to stay for another season when there were talks of him previously leaving.

However, Bannan deserves a proper fairwell and a chance to play some competitive football for a side that has ambitions of playing in the Premier League.

Though it's going to look really strange when Bannan isn't in a Sheffield Wednesday shirt.

🗣️ “I hope we don’t do it. I really hope he will stay here. I cannot say how likely or unlikely but I can say I hope he stays, for sure.”

Sheffield Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen on transfer talk surrounding captain Barry Bannan #SWFC

Full interview 👉 https://t.co/LE4n5lQgxI pic.twitter.com/14K2tHgrM6

— Football Heaven (@footballheaven) January 17, 2026