Henrik Pedersen is hopeful Sheffield Wednesday will be allowed to sign a replacement for Barry Bannan amid his impending departure.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen has confirmed the club is waiting to find out if they will be able to replace outgoing captain Barry Bannan with either a loan signing or a free agent signing.
Bannan made what is expected to have been his 477th and final appearance in Wednesday colours during Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Bristol City at Ashton Gate.
The 36-year-old, who is expected to finalise a move to Millwall in the coming days, was substituted to a standing ovation from all four sides of the stadium before breaking down in tears in front of the Wednesday supporters following full-time.
He was pushed in front of the away end by his teammates before having to be consoled by Liam Palmer and Liam Cooper. The Scot joined Wednesday in August 2015 and instantly became a fans’ favourite, meaning he enjoyed ten-and-a-half wonderful years in S6, being adored by everyone.
His impending exit will leave Wednesday’s depleted squad stretched even further, meaning there will be a sense of desperation from those inside Hillsborough, including Pedersen, to try and bring in a replacement. The transfer window closes at 7pm next Monday (February 2).
With Harry Amass having now joined Norwich City on loan for the rest of the season, quashing Wednesday’s chances of re-signing him, the Owls are understood to be allowed to bring in a replacement for him, and The Star is of the understanding Wednesday tried to finalise a deal for an unknown player ahead of the trip to Ashton Gate.
And with Bannan now closing in on a heartbreaking exit, Pedersen is hopeful the English Football League [EFL] will grant the Owls permission to sign a replacement.
“We worked on it, but it wasn’t a case of just having a player,” Pedersen told The Star, addressing their attempts to sign a player ahead of the weekend. “We still have one option, one position, instead of Harry.
“We try to find a solution for this and this is the first part. We will then speak to the EFL about what we can do next.
“Now, with Barry, I’m sure we can also do something. We have to wait for an answer if we can have a loan or a free transfer player.”
Wednesday, a few weeks ago, were informed they would be allowed to fill two loan slots this month, opportunities they have already taken full advantage of with the additions of Murphy Cooper and Jaden Heskey.
However, the end of Amass’ stint at Hillsborough means it looks as though Wednesday will be allowed to replace him. He joined Norwich from Manchester United on Saturday.
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