Sheffield United owners facing questions as ‘shock’ Sheffield Wednesday takeover update emerges
Sheffield Wednesday have received interest from several parties as they look to agree a takeover deal.
The Owls’ financial issues have been well documented following former owner Dejphon Chansiri’s failed attempts to get on top of the situation.
Sheffield Wednesday were placed into administration on 24 October, bringing to an end the Thai businessman’s 10-year reign at Hillsborough.
The administration resulted in Henrik Pedersen’s side being deducted 12 points, providing them with an uphill task to avoid relegation from the Championship this season.
However, that hasn’t prevented multiple parties from pursuing a Sheffield Wednesday takeover in recent weeks.
Sheffield United owners make Sheffield Wednesday takeover move
Sheffield Wednesday lost 3-0 to Sheffield United in the Steel City derby on Sunday (23 November).
A Tyrese Campbell brace and a late Tom Cannon goal earned all three points for the Blades at Hillsborough, leaving their rivals 19 points from safety at the bottom of the table.
However, a new development surrounding the Sheffield clubs has emerged over the past 24 hours.
The Telegraph reported on Tuesday (25 November) Sheffield United’s American owners made a “shock” enquiry about the sale of Sheffield Wednesday.
The newspaper said representatives of COH Sports were among 80 parties to have contacted the Owls’ administrators in recent weeks.
COH Sports, which is spearheaded by Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy, purchased Sheffield United from Saudi Arabian Prince Abdullah Bin Mosaad Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud last December.
Although it is currently unclear what the Blades’ owners’ intentions were, the club’s fans will no doubt be asking questions about their commitment at Bramall Lane.
US billionaires battling to agree Sheffield Wednesday takeover
In terms of other interested parties, former Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor has been linked with a Sheffield Wednesday takeover for several months.
The American billionaire owns majority stakes in French club Lyon, Brazilian first division outfit Botafogo and Belgian side RWD Molenbeek through Eagle Football Holdings.
Meanwhile, Textor’s compatriot John McEvoy is among the leading candidates to take over at Hillsborough.
McEvoy has investments in baseball, ice hockey and music, with his minority stake in talent agency Various Artists providing a link with Sheffield band Reverend and the Makers.
It is believed five offers have been made to buy Sheffield Wednesday as the club’s administrators look to complete a deal over the coming weeks.
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