A potential Sheffield Wednesday takeover is the talk of the footballing world right now, and EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal why one bidder is out of the race, as well as an insight into the other parties that are still in the running.
Where do we begin with Sheffield Wednesday? It’s been an eventful summer so far, to say the least, with player wages unpaid, a looming HMRC tax bill, and a spot of managerial malaise.
However, there is a hope and genuine belief that things may be taking a turn in the right direction soon.
While some players may be sold this summer, with Djeidi Gassama strongly linked with Rangers already, and Josh Windass potentially following him, there is good news, too.
On Wednesday afternoon, it was said Danny Rohl would return to the club despite trying to find a new job all summer. It’s thought he is keen to get back to work as a takeover could be imminent.
Photo by VisionhausWhy one bidder won’t be moving ahead with Sheffield Wednesday approach
In an EFL Analysis exclusive, our Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, was able to shed some light onto the ongoing situation around Sheffield Wednesday with information from one interested party that will no longer be moving ahead with a bid for the club.
We are told that Dejphon Chansiri’s demands were too much for this particular bidder, with the overall price tag being an issue. The problem more specifically is the nature of the package the Owls chairman was putting to the buyer.
Apparently, Chansiri had been willing to sell the club but was not including Hillsborough Stadium and the training ground — assets he technically owns separately — in the deal. There have been question marks over what is and isn’t included in the negotiations, which has deterred some.
On the matter, Bailey said: “There are various different conversations to be had and it’s going to be a very protracted negotiation, which it already is I guess… It’s complicated to say the least.”
Fans may be disheartened to learn that this particular bidder, whom we are told is US-based, has pulled out, but there are still plenty of reasons to be hopeful. We understand at least three other parties are still trying to move forward with bids for Sheffield Wednesday right now.
Intermediaries surrounding the various bidders have suggested Sheffield Wednesday are the biggest available club in the EFL, and while the club not being close to London is a factor, it’s not going to completely put off any of the interested parties.
Photo by George Wood/Getty ImagesWhat does the future look like for Sheffield Wednesday post-Chansiri?
The good news for Wednesday, and indeed any club going through a takeover process in the future, is that the new EFL Regulator has been voted into law just this week. That means sterner owner checks and more protection for clubs in a similar position to the Owls from now on.
In terms of Sheffield Wednesday more specifically, the Supporters Trust issued a statement last week outlining their proposal for a better future for the club. Included there is a demand for better communication and more collaboration.
Plenty of fans also want the old Sheffield Wednesday badge reinstated, though we’re sure that’s a low priority for any new owner.