Exclusive: US and UK Groups Eye Sheffield Wednesday Amid Chansiri Backlash

Two potential buyers have expressed an interest in purchasing Sheffield Wednesday, SportsBoom understands.

A US based consortium, described as being led by “serious business players”, is known to have made tentative enquiries about taking charge of the beleaguered club which earlier this year was threatened with a three window transfer ban after failing to pay its playing, coaching and administrative staff on time.

But sources close to Hillsborough have revealed that another group of individuals, thought to be fronted by individuals from the UK, have also made their presence known to current owner Dejphon Chansiri. 

Although their bid is believed to be at an early stage, with talks between the two parties yet to make significant progress, senior figures behind the scenes at Wednesday are said to be aware of the development.

Set to lose manager Danny Rohl at the end of the season, with his assistant Henrik Pederson emerging as Chansiri’s preferred choice for the role, Wednesday face a turbulent summer amid supporter protests against the Thai businessman’s regime.

FAN ANGER

Chansiri had already angered many of those who follow Rohl’s side for failing to properly back the German in the transfer market midway through the present campaign before the latest in a series of financial issues prompted a warning from the English Football League. 

Although he did settle the outstanding salaries ahead of an EFL deadline, which could have seen Wednesday prohibited from strengthening their squad until 2027, Chansiri’s confrontational approach towards his critics further fanned the flames of discontent on the terraces.

He has since confirmed he would be willing to discuss stepping aside if the right replacement could be found. 

However, this statement has done nothing to dampen fears among the Wednesday fans that he is minded to remain at the helm rather than sell his shareholding.

Both groups investigating the possibility of replacing Chansiri are believed to possess experience of running sporting businesses. 

But any move to consolidate their takeover bids are likely to come too late to persuade Rohl not to call time on his career in South Yorkshire, with Southampton and RB Leipzig among those monitoring his situation closely.