Sheff Wed re-sign legend Bannan and add Barry

Sheffield Wednesday have re-signed midfielder Barry Bannan from Millwall on a one-year deal and signed Aston Villa forward Louie Barry for an undisclosed fee on a four-year deal.

Bannan, 36, made 477 appearances for Wednesday in his first spell after joining in September 2015 but, with the club in administration, he left for the Lions for an undisclosed fee on an 18-month contract in January.

Barry, 23, joined Villa from Barcelona in 2020 and scored in his only senior appearance for the club in an FA Cup tie against Liverpool in January 2021.

He had nine loan spells away from the Premier League side in the past five years, including three at Stockport where he worked with Owls sporting director Simon Wilson.

"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," Bannan told the club website., external

"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."

The Scot played 18 times for Alex Neil's side as they finished third in the Championship before losing to Hull City in the play-off semi-finals.

Thursday's additions bring the Owls' summer signings up to five as they look to secure an immediate return to the second tier.