DONE DEAL: Barry Bannan Signs 3-Year Contract with Wrexham FC in Sensational Transfer from Sheffield Wednesday
Wrexham, Wales – June 22, 2025
In what can only be described as one of the most shocking and thrilling signings of the summer, Wrexham AFC have officially completed the signing of veteran midfielder Barry Bannan from Sheffield Wednesday. The 35-year-old Scottish playmaker has inked a three-year deal with the Welsh club, marking the end of a historic chapter with the Owls and the beginning of a bold new era under the lights at the SToK Cae Ras.
The move, confirmed early this morning by both clubs, has sent waves through English and Welsh football, with many hailing Wrexham’s ambition under the stewardship of Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Bannan, a player long admired for his technical finesse, leadership qualities, and consistency, will bring invaluable experience as the club eyes promotion from League One after their successful League Two campaign.
A Legendary Chapter Ends at Hillsborough
Barry Bannan leaves Sheffield Wednesday as a true legend. Since joining the club in 2015, Bannan has made over 350 appearances, captaining the side through thick and thin, including promotions, relegation battles, and memorable cup runs. He has been the beating heart of the Owls midfield, known for his eye-catching vision, pinpoint passing, and unwavering loyalty.
The 2024/25 season, however, was a turbulent one for Sheffield Wednesday. After narrowly avoiding relegation from the Championship, financial uncertainties and managerial changes left the club in a state of flux. Though fans had hoped Bannan would see out the remainder of his career at Hillsborough, the opportunity to join Wrexham — a club on a rapid upward trajectory — proved too enticing to turn down.
In a heartfelt message posted on social media, Bannan wrote:
“Sheffield Wednesday has been my home for nearly a decade. I gave everything for the shirt and will forever be grateful for the support of the fans, staff, and teammates. But now it’s time for a new challenge — and I couldn’t be more excited to join Wrexham AFC.”
Wrexham’s Statement of Intent
For Wrexham, this signing isn’t just about strengthening the squad — it’s a statement of intent.
Since taking over the club in 2020, Reynolds and McElhenney have been vocal about their ambition to restore Wrexham to the upper tiers of English football. With back-to-back promotions and major infrastructure investments — including a $3 billion stadium development plan — the Red Dragons are no longer underdogs. They’re contenders.
Bannan’s arrival underlines the club’s readiness to compete not just in League One but potentially in the Championship in the very near future.
Speaking to the club’s official media, Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said:
“Barry Bannan is a class act — a leader on and off the pitch. We’re delighted to bring him in. He brings top-level experience, composure, and that winning mentality that you can’t teach. This is a huge moment for our club.”
What Bannan Brings to Wrexham
At 35, Bannan is still operating at a high level. His passing accuracy remains among the best in the league, and he’s capable of dictating the tempo of matches from deep or advanced positions. With Wrexham already boasting talented midfielders like Elliot Lee, Tom O’Connor, and Andy Cannon, Bannan’s addition adds another dimension.
His experience in pressure situations — including playoff battles and promotion chases — will be critical as Wrexham look to consolidate their status in League One and push for another promotion.
Bannan is also a natural leader. Parkinson is expected to hand him a senior leadership role, possibly even the captain’s armband, depending on the future of current club captain Ben Tozer.
Fan Reaction: “A Dream Signing”
The news of Bannan’s signing has sparked a tidal wave of excitement among Wrexham supporters, many of whom flooded social media with reactions ranging from disbelief to jubilation.
Twitter user @RedDragonFaithful posted:
“Barry Bannan at Wrexham?! What a coup! We really are building something special. Massive credit to the board and the gaffer!”
Another fan, @WxmTillIDie, wrote:
“This isn’t a League One signing — this is Championship quality. With Bannan pulling the strings, we’ll play teams off the park.”
Even former players and pundits joined in on the conversation. Former Wrexham striker Dean Keates told BBC Radio Wales:
“It’s a major statement. I played at Wrexham for years, and seeing someone of Bannan’s calibre walk through those doors shows how far the club has come. It’s exciting times.”
Inside the Deal: How Wrexham Got Their Man
Sources close to the deal suggest that negotiations were swift but respectful. Wrexham approached Sheffield Wednesday earlier this month with a formal inquiry. With the Owls needing to reduce their wage bill and Bannan seeking a new challenge, talks moved quickly.
Wrexham reportedly offered Bannan a competitive wage, performance bonuses, and a future coaching pathway — aligning with his desire to transition into a managerial or coaching role post-retirement.
Club co-chairman Rob McElhenney reportedly played a key role in the final stages of the negotiations, personally speaking with Bannan and outlining the club’s vision, which clearly resonated with the Scottish midfielder.
What’s Next for Wrexham?
With Bannan now officially a Red Dragon, Wrexham’s attention turns to bolstering the squad further. Rumors continue to swirl about potential moves for a striker to complement Paul Mullin, whose future remains uncertain amid transfer interest, and a central defender to replace veteran Eoghan O’Connell, who is reportedly attracting interest from Championship sides.
Preseason begins in early July, with Bannan expected to feature prominently in the club’s tour of the United States — a commercial initiative organized by Reynolds and McElhenney to boost Wrexham’s growing international fan base.
The Bigger Picture: From Non-League to Championship Contenders?
It wasn’t long ago that Wrexham were languishing in the National League, struggling for identity and momentum. Today, they are a club with global visibility, serious sporting ambition, and a rapidly expanding infrastructure.
Signing Barry Bannan is more than just a footballing decision — it’s a symbol of Wrexham’s renaissance.
As Ryan Reynolds put it in a recent tweet:
“Barry Bannan is joining Wrexham. I had to read that sentence twice too. Welcome to the family, Barry. Let’s build something legendary.”
Final Thoughts
The arrival of Barry Bannan marks one of the most high-profile and ambitious signings in Wrexham’s recent history. A midfielder of Premier League pedigree and a Championship warrior, Bannan brings both footballing excellence and leadership — two qualities that could prove crucial as the Red Dragons aim to write the next chapter of their extraordinary journey.
If Wrexham needed a marquee signing to underline their promotion credentials, they’ve got it. And in Barry Bannan, they haven’t just signed a player — they’ve signed a leader, a fighter, and a footballer capable of making history all over again.
