Can he just leave and we give him a signing on bonus?
Let’s ask AI:
Yes — in theory Barry Bannan (and other players at Sheffield Wednesday F.C.) can terminate their contract for “just cause” if wages are unpaid for a certain period — but it isn’t automatic or simple:
What we know:
- The club has repeatedly delayed players’ wages: e.g., late payments in March, May, June 2025.
- According to the reporting, under certain rules a player who has not been paid for two months can give written notice and possibly leave the club.
- The club faces serious regulatory action from the English Football League (EFL) for breaches of payment obligations.
- Bannan has discussed how late payments are “becoming normal” and how it’s impacting players.
Why it’ isn’t a straight “he can leave now”
- Termination requires steps: the unpaid player must formally make the club “in default”, usually with written notice and giving the club a deadline to pay.
- Even if the right conditions are met, there may be contractual complications (how the contract is worded, if a settlement is reached, whether the player wants to force departure).
- Bannan apparently signed a new contract in August 2025 despite the turmoil.
- The club hasn’t necessarily failed for two complete monthly payments in every case (or at least publicly confirmed) for every senior player, meaning triggering the clause may not be clear cut.
- Legal/regulatory frameworks (FIFA, EFL) may apply but often become grey in practice, especially with football contracts and club football in England.
My assessment
Given the above:
- Yes — Bannan could have grounds to leave under “just cause” if his wages were unpaid for two months or more and he followed the required steps.
- However, since he signed a new contract in August 2025, he likely chose to stay for now (or negotiated something).
- Practically speaking, his decision to leave would also depend on his opportunities elsewhere, his relationship with the club, and whether he wants to initiate the process.
- The club’s situation makes it more likely such actions will happen — teammates could use the same route if they meet the criteria.
- So, this means: yes, it’s a real option for him, but he hasn’t automatically left just because of delays.
So not clear.
What is clear to me is that Bannan could be a cheap Grimes stuntman. Getting a younger player to do the role is a £5m minimum spend.
I do think it’s a real possibility to tempt Bannan with a £1m if we go up bonus plus a sign on etc. £2m gamble to maximise promotion potential? Promotion worth £100m plus?
As for this “Bannan will never leave Wednesday”, how many times have players said this? Who was that blonde haired Leeds striker that was a die hard Leeds fan that went to Man U? Smith? “I’ll never leave Leeds and join Man U”, he said. Anyway.
Any better ideas?
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