Barry Bannan sends heartfelt message after Millwall departure is confirmed

Millwall came agonisingly close to reaching the Premier League last season after narrowly missing automatic promotion by a single point behind Ipswich Town before suffering play-off heartbreak against Hull City in the semi-finals. Now, Alex Neil is rebuilding his squad with clear intent ahead of another promotion push.

The Lions have been active in the transfer market this summer as they look to bounce back stronger next season. Tairyk Arconte has arrived from French outfit Rodez in a deal worth around €3 million (£2.6m), while 21-year-old Jenson Metcalfe has joined from Bradford City. Belgian midfielder Mathis Servais has also completed a move from Mechelen for approximately £3 million, and former Bristol City man Mark Sykes has been added on a free transfer.

Several senior players have departed The Den following the expiration of their contracts, including Billy Mitchell, Danny McNamara, Joe Bryan and Massimo Luongo. Wes Harding, Macaulay Langstaff and Barry Bannan have also moved on as part of the club’s summer reshuffle.

Bannan’s brief spell in South London has now officially come to an end after the midfielder sealed a return to Sheffield Wednesday. The 36-year-old spent only six months with Millwall after joining the club earlier this year, and his departure had appeared increasingly likely in recent weeks.

Before leaving Wednesday in January 2026, Bannan had established himself as a club icon during a ten-and-a-half-year spell at Hillsborough, making 477 appearances while registering 37 goals and 75 assists. His original exit from the Owls was believed to be linked more to financial issues at the club than any desire to leave.

Millwall confirmed Bannan’s exit in a short statement on their official website, bringing an underwhelming end to a move that never truly clicked. During his time with the Lions, the Scottish midfielder made 16 league appearances, including outings in the play-offs, and provided one assist. He was often used as an experienced option from the bench rather than as a regular starter under Neil.

Although Bannan initially signed an 18-month contract at The Den, his return to Sheffield Wednesday has brought that deal to an early conclusion. Following his exit, the midfielder shared a brief message on social media thanking Millwall and its supporters, mirroring the concise nature of the club’s own announcement.

Despite his stint in London, there was always a sense that Bannan would welcome the opportunity to return to Hillsborough if the chance arose. That opportunity has now materialised, with the veteran midfielder signing a one-year deal with Wednesday as the club aims for an immediate return to the Championship.

Speaking after rejoining the Owls, Bannan said: “This club means so much to me and my family so to have the opportunity to come back, I didn’t have to think twice about it. I’m just delighted and I can’t wait to get going again.

“I always had it in my mind I would be coming back to Wednesday in some capacity so to get this done now is brilliant. There’s a lot of optimism and excitement around the place – we are on the up.

“We know what this season requires – a lot of hard work and togetherness with everyone fighting for each other, everyone on the same page. Obviously, I know everyone from last season and the new lads already seem at home, so there’s a lot to look forward to and I’m just so pleased to be back part of it.”

Bannan’s connection with Sheffield Wednesday has clearly remained as strong as ever, and many Owls supporters are delighted to see one of the club’s modern greats back at Hillsborough.

As for Millwall, the club will now turn its full attention toward another Championship campaign, with hopes of finally securing promotion after last season’s near miss.