Sheffield Wednesday are eyeing a blockbuster signing that could eclipse even Barry Bannan's emotional return. The Owls, who finished bottom of the Championship last season with just 2 wins from 46 games, are reportedly in talks with free agent Jamie Vardy, who could bring Premier League experience to Hillsborough.

Why Vardy would be a bigger deal than Bannan

Barry Bannan's return after 10 years away was a sentimental moment for Sheffield Wednesday fans. The 36-year-old midfielder made 470 appearances in his first spell and helped the club reach the play-offs twice. But Jamie Vardy represents something different – a proven goalscorer who could make an immediate impact in League One.

What Vardy brings to the table

At 39, Vardy may not be the same player who won the Premier League with Leicester City, but he still scored 7 goals in Serie A last season. His pace, movement and finishing could be exactly what Sheffield Wednesday need to bounce back from their disastrous 2025/26 campaign, where they scored just 29 goals and conceded 89.

Fan reaction to the potential signing

Sheffield Wednesday supporters are divided on the idea of signing Vardy. Some see him as a dream addition who could fire them back up the table, while others worry he's only considering the move because he has no other options. But with the club on a two-game winning run to end last season, including a 2-1 victory over West Brom, there's hope that Vardy could help build on that momentum.

The emotional pull of Vardy's potential move

What makes this potential signing even more special is Vardy's connection to Sheffield Wednesday. The striker grew up as a fan of the club, and his return would be a full-circle moment. If he does join, it could be one of the most significant signings in the club's recent history, even bigger than Bannan's homecoming.