Pedersen reveals Sheffield Wednesday captain Bannan wants out

Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan is set to bring the curtain down on his long association with the club after manager Henrik Pedersen confirmed that the midfielder has made it clear he wants to leave.

The 36-year-old appeared to bid an emotional farewell to the Owls during their 2-0 defeat away to Bristol City, a match that is widely expected to be his final appearance for the South Yorkshire side. Bannan was withdrawn deep into stoppage time at Ashton Gate and received a standing ovation from supporters of both clubs, as well as from team-mates and opposition players. After the final whistle, he returned to the pitch to acknowledge the travelling Wednesday fans, further fuelling the sense that his decade-long spell at the club is coming to an end.

Barry Bannan walked out for Sheffield Wednesday in what is expected to be his final game for the club

Bannan has been heavily linked with a move to Millwall in recent days, although Pedersen said he was unable to confirm whether the former Scotland international had already undergone a medical with the London club. What the manager did make clear, however, is that Bannan’s desire to leave is firm and rooted in the wider circumstances surrounding the club.

Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield, Pedersen said: “What I can say is that Barry wants to leave the club after the whole situation and that Barry and his representative are speaking to the club to find a solution. Barry has made this decision and he wants to leave, and I have a very big respect for Barry and also for the solution. Of course, I am not happy that he is leaving.”

Bannan’s decision comes at a turbulent time for Sheffield Wednesday, who have been in administration since October. The uncertainty off the pitch has inevitably cast a shadow over the squad, and Pedersen acknowledged that the midfielder’s departure will be a major blow, both in footballing terms and on a personal level.

The Owls captain has been a central figure at Hillsborough for more than a decade, making 435 league appearances and establishing himself as one of the most influential players of the modern era at the club. His leadership has been particularly important during recent difficult seasons, and Pedersen admitted that losing such an experienced figure will be tough to absorb.

Pedersen also revealed that Bannan had already spoken to his team-mates earlier in the week to explain his intention to leave, describing the moment as an emotional one for everyone involved. “You could feel Barry’s emotion from him to them, and you could feel the emotion from them to him,” the Wednesday boss said. “Of course, it was a difficult moment.”

The manager went on to underline just how much Bannan means to him personally, as well as to the team. “I said to him, ‘I’ll miss you a lot’ – on a football level, a captain level, and a friend level,” Pedersen explained. “It will be tough, but we also have a fantastic dressing room and a lot of young, hungry players with a big heart for this club who are ready to give everything.”

The travelling Wednesday supporters ensured that Bannan’s contribution did not go unnoticed during the match at Bristol City. Throughout the game, chants of “There’s only one Barry Bannan” rang out from the away end, providing a fitting soundtrack to what may prove to be his final outing in blue and white.

Pedersen said the fans’ appreciation was clear to see and hear. “You could hear them sing about Barry and they tried to give him the best possible last game as a thank you for the last 10 years,” he said. “Barry has not only been a fantastic player, but also a fantastic captain and leader in this difficult time. He has been great for all of us.”

While Bannan’s situation dominated the post-match discussion, Pedersen also addressed several other transfer-related issues as the window enters its final stages. The manager confirmed that Sheffield Wednesday had received an offer for Swedish midfielder Svante Ingelsson but chose to reject it, insisting the bid did not reflect the player’s true value. “We turned it down because it was not good enough for his quality,” Pedersen said.

There is also growing speculation surrounding teenage defender Yisa Alao, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea. Pedersen did not go into detail but suggested that clarity over the youngster’s future is close. “Something will be finalised,” he said, hinting that developments are expected soon.

Meanwhile, uncertainty also surrounds right-back Yan Valery, who missed the defeat at Ashton Gate through injury. Pedersen admitted that Valery is another player whose future is unclear as the transfer deadline approaches. “He’s also one of the guys there is speculation about,” the manager explained. “Let’s see what happens in the next seven days. I hope we can keep as many as possible, but honestly, I don’t know.”

As Sheffield Wednesday continue to navigate a challenging period on and off the pitch, the likely departure of Barry Bannan marks the end of an era. For many supporters, he has been a symbol of consistency, commitment, and leadership through both highs and lows. While his exit may be unavoidable given the circumstances, the respect shown by fans, players, and staff alike underlines the lasting legacy he leaves behind at Hillsborough.

Chris Davies targets two or three more signings for Birmingham City

Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has revealed he is hoping to strengthen his squad further before the January transfer window closes, with plans to add two or three more players if the right opportunities arise.

The Blues have already been busy this month, completing four new signings in an effort to boost their promotion push. Striker August Priske, winger Ibrahim Osman, midfielder Jhon Solis and defender Kai Wagner have all arrived, giving Davies greater depth and flexibility across the pitch.

Speaking to BBC Radio WM, the Birmingham boss explained that injecting fresh blood into the squad at this stage of the season is vital, particularly when those additions bring youth and energy.

Davies believes the recent recruits have already had a positive impact around the training ground, helping to lift the mood and sharpen competition for places.

He said January can be an important time to refresh a group, and he feels the club has benefited from bringing in younger players who are eager to make an impression. According to Davies, that youthful enthusiasm was exactly what the squad needed at this point in the campaign.

Two of the new arrivals, Brighton loanee Ibrahim Osman and permanent signing August Priske, both aged 21, only joined the club earlier this week. Despite the short turnaround, Davies has been impressed by what he has seen from the pair during their first training sessions.

Osman, who arrived on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, is naturally a left-sided winger but has the versatility to operate on the right if required. Davies highlighted the winger’s pace as a key attribute and believes his ability to take on defenders one-on-one will add a new dimension to Birmingham’s attack.

The manager explained that Osman’s confidence in carrying the ball and driving at opponents is one of his standout qualities. Davies feels the winger has come to St Andrew’s with a point to prove and sees this move as a chance to make the most of his opportunity at Championship level.

Improving the team’s speed and physical presence has been a priority for Birmingham during the current window, and Davies pointed to Osman as a clear example of the type of profile the club is targeting.

Attention also turned to Danish Under-21 international August Priske, who joined as a long-term investment for the club. While Davies is excited about the striker’s potential, he stressed that patience will be needed as Priske adapts to the demands of the Championship.

The Birmingham boss described Priske as a strong personality and a forward who can contribute in multiple ways. He believes the young striker has the technical ability to link play effectively, while also offering a physical presence up front.

However, Davies was keen to manage expectations, emphasising that it would be unfair to place immediate pressure on a player who is still settling into a new league and environment. He explained that Priske needs time to adjust and develop, and that the club is focused on allowing him the space to grow rather than demanding instant results.

Looking ahead to the remainder of the transfer window, Davies acknowledged that Birmingham’s business may not be finished. While pleased with the progress made so far, he hinted that further movement could still take place.

The manager suggested that alongside two or three potential arrivals, there may also be a similar number of departures, depending on how negotiations unfold. He admitted there are no guarantees in January, but expressed optimism that the club can continue to shape the squad in a way that supports their objectives for the rest of the season.

As the deadline approaches, Birmingham City appear determined to remain active, with Davies eager to build on what he believes has been a solid start to the window.

Birmingham City deal collapses as player heads for Middlesbrough

Birmingham City’s pursuit of Jeremy Sarmiento has fallen apart, with the winger now expected to complete a move to Middlesbrough instead, according to reports from TMW.

Once again, the transfer window has delivered a familiar mix of promise and frustration for Birmingham City. Just as the club appeared to be gaining momentum after navigating the drawn-out Abdoulie Manneh situation and smoothly wrapping up the August Priske deal, another potential signing has slipped through their fingers. Jhon Solis did arrive during this period, but along the way, Birmingham seemingly lost ground in their efforts to secure Carlos Vicente. Now, the collapse of the Sarmiento move adds another twist to an already unpredictable window.

Jeremy Sarmiento’s situation had developed quickly over the past week. The Ecuador international has been on Brighton & Hove Albion’s books since 2021, yet he has never truly settled on the south coast. Instead, his career has been characterised by a series of loan spells designed to provide him with regular football and aid his development. His previous temporary moves took him to West Bromwich Albion, Ipswich Town, and Burnley, offering a variety of experiences across English football.

This summer, however, a different path was chosen. With Cremonese earning promotion to Serie A via the Serie B play-offs, Brighton sanctioned a loan move to Italy, hoping a change of environment might reignite Sarmiento’s progress. In reality, the spell has been a major disappointment. The 23-year-old has struggled badly for opportunities, accumulating fewer than 140 minutes of playing time in total. Even more concerning, he has not featured at all since November, effectively freezing his development at a crucial stage of his career.

Given those circumstances, a January exit became inevitable. Middlesbrough were among the first clubs linked with an interest in bringing Sarmiento back to England, but momentum soon appeared to shift towards Birmingham City. Reports suggested the Midlands club had positioned themselves as the winger’s route out of an unhappy situation in Italy, and the deal was widely described as being close to completion.

So advanced did the negotiations seem that Italian media outlets, particularly those focused on Cremonese, were already treating Sarmiento’s departure as a formality. One such report was openly dismissive, effectively bidding farewell to the player while welcoming the financial relief his exit would bring by freeing up space on the wage bill. From the outside, it looked like Birmingham had won the race.

However, the optimism did not last. Raffaele Amato, one of the journalists who initially reported on the move, has now revealed that the transfer hit an unexpected obstacle. According to Amato, although the clubs had reached an agreement in principle, the deal stalled when Birmingham City attempted to alter the financial structure of the move. Specifically, he stated: “After the clubs reached an agreement, the deal has blocked for now. Birmingham City wanted to change the payment terms.”

While the exact details remain unclear, the implication is that Birmingham sought to renegotiate aspects of the financial arrangement with Brighton, who ultimately control Sarmiento’s future. Those revised terms appear to have been unacceptable, leading to the breakdown of negotiations.

With Birmingham stepping back, Middlesbrough have moved swiftly to capitalise. TMW now report that Sarmiento is set to return to English football with the Teesside club, bringing an end to Birmingham’s hopes of securing the winger. For Middlesbrough, the move represents an opportunity to add a talented but underused player eager to prove himself after a difficult spell abroad.

For Birmingham City, the collapse of the deal is another reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the transfer market. What once looked like a near-certain addition has instead turned into another missed opportunity, reinforcing the sense that this window has been defined as much by what might have been as by what has actually been achieved.

Adam Armstrong exit fears grow as major transfer bombshell rocks Southampton

Reports emerging late on Monday have sparked serious speculation around the future of Southampton talisman Adam Armstrong, with suggestions that the club could be bracing itself for a major blow before the winter transfer window closes.

According to journalist Rudy Galetti, writing on X, Armstrong is weighing up his options and could potentially depart St Mary’s in the remaining weeks of the January window. The update has landed at a sensitive moment for Southampton and head coach Tonda Eckert, who is already under growing pressure despite only being confirmed in the role on a permanent basis at the beginning of last month.

Losing Armstrong would represent a significant setback for Saints. Over the past decade, the forward has established himself as one of the Championship’s most reliable goalscorers, and he has once again been delivering in front of goal this season despite Southampton’s ongoing struggles following a disastrous Premier League campaign last year.

That top-flight season proved brutal for the club, with Saints collecting just 12 points from 38 matches and suffering relegation in emphatic fashion. Yet even amid the fallout, Armstrong has continued to shoulder responsibility, remaining a central figure in the side and consistently leading the line.

The former Newcastle United academy graduate featured from the start in Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Hull City, a result that extended Southampton’s winless league run to seven matches. While the club currently sits in mid-table, the gap to the play-off positions is not yet beyond reach. A strong run of form, similar to the one enjoyed during Eckert’s interim spell following Will Still’s dismissal in early November, could still reignite their promotion hopes.

However, Southampton now find themselves entering a decisive period of the season. They are in the middle of a demanding three-match Championship week, beginning with Wednesday night’s home clash against Sheffield United. That is followed by a fiercely contested South Coast derby away to Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Sunday lunchtime. With momentum desperately needed, uncertainty surrounding Armstrong’s future could not have come at a worse time.

The timing of the report is particularly unsettling, arriving just over 24 hours before Saints face Chris Wilder’s Blades. It raises questions over how involved Armstrong will be in the upcoming fixtures and whether transfer speculation could distract from preparations at a critical juncture.

Armstrong has become a constant presence at St Mary’s during one of the most turbulent eras in the club’s recent history. He joined Southampton in the summer of 2021, signing from Blackburn Rovers in a deal reportedly worth £15 million during Ralph Hasenhuttl’s tenure. His debut campaign was a frustrating one, yielding just two goals across all competitions, but patience eventually paid off.

Since then, Armstrong has grown into a leader and a key attacking figure. Across all competitions, he has made 172 appearances for Saints, scoring 43 goals and registering 23 assists. His most prolific season came two years ago in the Championship under Russell Martin, when Southampton successfully bounced back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

That campaign saw Armstrong score 21 league goals, before adding three more in the play-offs. His decisive strike in the final against Leeds United at Wembley remains one of the standout moments of Southampton’s recent history, sealing promotion and cementing his status as a club favourite.

The subsequent return to the Premier League proved far less enjoyable. Southampton struggled badly, and relegation followed swiftly. Yet despite the disappointment, Armstrong remained part of the club’s plans. Will Still confirmed as much before his departure, and Eckert has continued to rely heavily on the striker since taking charge.

This season, Armstrong has featured in 30 matches across the Championship, FA Cup and EFL Cup. He currently sits joint-top of the Championship scoring charts with 11 goals, alongside Swansea City’s Zan Vipotnik, and has also contributed four assists. In a team that has often lacked fluency and confidence, his output has been invaluable.

Recent reports had already suggested that Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers were monitoring Armstrong’s situation, given their own struggles in front of goal. Galetti’s latest update has added further weight to the idea that the striker may be considering a new chapter in his career.

Notably, the wording of the report hinted that Armstrong could be open to a move beyond England. After spending the bulk of his career in the English game, the 28-year-old is said to be “assessing the next step” in his journey, which could potentially involve a switch to continental Europe or even a move overseas.

From Southampton’s perspective, losing Armstrong would create a glaring problem. Outside of his 11 goals, Saints have found it difficult to generate consistent attacking threat. Eckert recently allowed Damion Downs to leave on loan for Hamburg SV in a deal that includes an option to buy, further thinning attacking options.

Ross Stewart has only just returned to fitness and marked his comeback with a goal against Hull City, while Cameron Archer has struggled to rediscover his best form. Without Armstrong, Southampton’s attacking depth would look worryingly thin for a side still harbouring ambitions of pushing towards the play-offs.

Armstrong’s contract situation adds another layer to the equation. With just under 18 months remaining on his current deal, Southampton are not under immediate pressure to sell, but the window does represent an opportunity to secure a substantial fee. Given his importance in terms of goals, experience and leadership — he has captained the side on numerous occasions this season — any decision to allow him to leave would be highly controversial.

Supporters are already frustrated with ownership group Sport Republic following recent struggles on and off the pitch. Sanctioning the departure of one of the club’s most consistent performers, particularly in the middle of a difficult season, would likely intensify that discontent.

For now, Armstrong remains a Southampton player, and much could change before the transfer deadline. But with speculation growing and crucial fixtures looming, the uncertainty surrounding his future has added yet another layer of tension to an already delicate situation at St Mary’s. Whether Saints can steady the ship — and whether Armstrong remains part of that journey — could define the remainder of their season.

Southampton winger closing in on exit as loan deal nears completion

Southampton winger Ryan Fraser appears set to bring his time at St Mary’s to an end, with the experienced wide man edging closer to a surprise loan switch to Australia. The 31-year-old is currently in the country as discussions progress over a temporary move to A-League side Western Sydney Wanderers.

Fraser has not featured for the Saints since their Boxing Day defeat to Oxford United, and with his contract due to expire at the end of the season, uncertainty has surrounded his future for several months. While a permanent departure in the summer has long seemed inevitable, it now looks increasingly likely that the Scotland international has already played his final match for Southampton.

Reports from the Daily Echo indicate that negotiations are at an advanced stage, with Fraser expected to join Western Sydney Wanderers on loan until the end of the campaign. His presence in Australia suggests the agreement is close to being finalised, and the deal is viewed as a significant capture for the struggling A-League outfit.

For Western Sydney, Fraser’s arrival would represent a major boost during a difficult season. The Wanderers currently sit second from bottom of the league table after 13 matches and have struggled for consistency and attacking threat. Bringing in a player with Fraser’s Premier League and Championship experience could provide a much-needed lift both on and off the pitch.

From Southampton’s perspective, the move also makes clear sense. Allowing Fraser to leave on loan would ease the club’s wage bill ahead of his expected free transfer departure in the summer. Head coach Tonda Eckert appears comfortable with his current options in the right wing-back role, particularly following the return of James Bree, who rejoined the club after spending the first half of the season on loan at Charlton Athletic.

Fraser’s lack of involvement in recent weeks has underlined his reduced role within the squad, and the writing has been on the wall regarding his future for some time. With Eckert reshaping his team and prioritising other areas of the pitch, the winger has found himself surplus to requirements.

For Fraser himself, the proposed switch represents an opportunity to experience a new footballing environment at a key stage in his career. While the move may come as a surprise to some supporters, it offers the chance for regular minutes and a fresh challenge before he becomes a free agent later in the year.

Regular game time was always likely to be a major factor in Fraser’s thinking, especially after being frozen out of the matchday squad in recent weeks. A loan move abroad allows him to remain sharp, rebuild momentum, and potentially put himself in the shop window ahead of the summer transfer market.

Southampton, meanwhile, are unlikely to feel the impact of his departure during the remainder of the season. Eckert has several alternatives capable of filling the wide right position, including Bree, Elias Jelert and Tom Fellows, all of whom offer different attributes within the system.

While Fraser’s exit appears imminent, attention now turns to other areas of the squad that require strengthening before the transfer window closes. The Saints have been keen to create space both financially and within the squad, and Fraser’s loan move could help facilitate further business.

Eckert will hope that the winger’s departure allows Southampton to bring in reinforcements where they are most needed, particularly as the club looks to push on during the second half of the campaign. With Fraser no longer part of the manager’s plans, all parties seem to benefit from a move that provides clarity and opportunity.

As the final details are ironed out, Fraser’s Australian adventure looks set to begin, marking a new chapter for the veteran winger and drawing the curtain on his Southampton spell sooner than many may have expected.

Declan Rice reacts with six-word message as Middlesbrough seal transfer

Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice has publicly shown his support for newly signed Middlesbrough defender Finley Munroe after the youngster completed his move to the Riverside Stadium. Rice, who is Munroe’s cousin, posted a short but heartfelt six-word message following the confirmation of the transfer.

Munroe has officially joined Middlesbrough on a four-and-a-half-year contract after Boro agreed a £300,000 deal with Aston Villa. The defender’s loan spell at League Two side Swindon Town was brought to an early end to allow the move to go through, with Middlesbrough moving swiftly to secure a player they believe has significant long-term potential.

The 20-year-old has been one of Swindon’s standout performers during the first half of the season, earning widespread praise for his consistency, creativity, and maturity despite his age. That form caught the attention of Boro’s recruitment team, who see Munroe as a player capable of stepping up to Championship level while still having plenty of room to develop.

Declan Rice believes that Arsenal can go all the way this season.(Image: 2026 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)

Although Munroe is most closely associated with Aston Villa, where he continued his development after leaving Chelsea at the age of 16, his football journey has already shown resilience and adaptability. After being released by Chelsea, the young defender moved to the Midlands and rebuilt his career, eventually earning a professional pathway that has now led him to Teesside.

Rice’s public reaction to the transfer underlined the close family connection between the two players. Responding to an Instagram post in which Munroe expressed his excitement about joining what he described as a “huge club,” the Arsenal midfielder shared the message on his social media, writing: “Go time cuz! Proud of you!” The brief post reflected both encouragement and pride as Munroe takes a major step forward in his career.

Munroe is expected to link up immediately with Middlesbrough’s first-team squad and will travel with the group to the Midlands ahead of their upcoming Championship fixture against West Bromwich Albion. He will be available for selection and could even be handed his debut, depending on how the coaching staff decide to use him.

One advantage for Boro is that Munroe does not need to be registered in the EFL squad list for the remainder of January due to his age. That flexibility is particularly valuable given Middlesbrough’s ongoing injury issues in defensive areas, which have stretched resources at the back throughout the season. His arrival adds immediate depth while also providing a long-term option the club can develop carefully.

During his time at Swindon Town, Munroe demonstrated impressive attacking output for a defender. Across 27 appearances in all competitions during the first half of the campaign, he contributed two goals and nine assists. That level of productivity, combined with his defensive reliability, helped establish him as one of the most effective young full-backs in League Two.

Middlesbrough believe those numbers are not a fluke and feel Munroe has the tools to adapt quickly to Championship football. While he may initially be eased into the side, the club’s assessment is that he is already capable of competing for minutes at first-team level, particularly given the current demands on the squad.

The move also reflects Boro’s broader transfer strategy, which focuses on identifying young players with upside rather than relying solely on established names. By moving early to secure Munroe’s signature, Middlesbrough have positioned themselves to benefit both immediately and in the long term, whether through on-field contributions or future value.

For Munroe, the transfer represents a significant opportunity to test himself at a higher level while continuing his development in a competitive environment. With family support from one of England’s top midfielders and belief from his new club, the defender arrives on Teesside with confidence and momentum.

As Middlesbrough push through a demanding part of the Championship season, Munroe’s addition could prove timely. Whether he features right away or is gradually introduced, Boro will hope his talent, versatility, and maturity translate quickly as he begins the next chapter of his career.