Rangers to backtrack on Barry Bannan decision after Sheffield Wednesday exit news
The idea of Barry Bannan signing for Rangers was quickly dismissed in December.
Rangers are closing in on their third summer signing, with Andreas Skov Olsen expected to be announced within the next 24 hours, should all things go as planned.
He will join Tuur Rommens and Tochi Chukwuani at Ibrox, as the 49ers deliver the tools for Danny Rohl to succeed with Rangers.
However, several more arrivals are expected, and after the latest news at Sheffield Wednesday, a move for Bannan may not be able to be ruled out quite yet.
Barry Bannan could leave Sheffield Wednesday
Bannan has been the heart and soul of Sheffield Wednesday in troubling times as of late, and the Scotsman played a predominant role under Rohl at Hillsborough.
When Rohl was appointed at Ibrox, several jumped to the conclusion that he could bring the 36-year-old midfielder with him.
However, back in December, Peter Grant claimed it was unlikely Rangers would look at Bannan, despite the obvious qualities that he would bring.
“I know Barry very well, I just can’t see him picking the Blue jersey up,” he said.
“He’s a fantastic player, and he’s the sort of man Rangers would need because he can dominate the ball and he plays his position exceptionally well.”
Now, Keith Downie has reported via X that Bannan could leave Hillsborough this month, with two unnamed Scottish sides said to be keen on a deal.
Rangers have been linked with Dan Neil, showcasing their willingness to sign another midfielder this month, and perhaps more importantly, one from the Championship.
It still feels unlikely that the Gers would move for Bannan, but given the connection with Rohl, it’s certainly not beyond the realms of possibility.
Bannan has had nothing but good to say about Danny Rohl
Rohl is, and always has been, a big fan of Bannan, and from their time together at Sheffield Wednesday, the feeling is mutual.
Given that connection, Bannan would have no doubt been disappointed to see Rangers snap up Rohl following the sacking of Russell Martin, though he still held the German in high regard.
Before his appointment was confirmed at Ibrox, Bannan said in an interview with Record Sport: “I think he could be a massive success at Rangers. He loves things like this. Rangers are right up his street because he loves a challenge.
“He plays the game on the touchline, and that’s what Rangers fans want to see. He’ll believe he can still get Rangers challenging for the league this season. Danny will target winning the title.”
Of course, Rangers are back in the title race this season, and the addition of Bannan, price-dependent, would only aid their goals of achieving that.
Time will tell if the Light Blues will push forward with a potential deal.
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