Southampton Set to Intensify Pursuit of Danny Rohl as Sheffield Wednesday Future Hangs in the Balance

Southampton will step up their attempts to appoint Danny Rohl as the German, one of the Championship’s most respected young coaches, edges closer to leaving Sheffield Wednesday.

Already thought to be contemplating his future following a series of problems behind the scenes, sources have told SportsBoom that Hillsborough’s most recent financial issue has only strengthened the 35-year-old’s suspicions that he would be best served by moving on at the end of the campaign.

It was revealed last week that Wednesday had failed to pay their players or staff wages on time, with a three window transfer ban set to be imposed until chairman Dejphon Chansiri, who blamed the delay on monies owed to his other businesses, settled the outstanding amounts.

Rohl, who previously worked at St Mary’s under Ralph Hasenhuttl, was considered by the Saint's hierarchy earlier this term following their decision to part company with Russell Martin. 

A contractual detail, which set his compensation fee at £5m, prompted them to opt for Ivan Juric instead but the Croat has now left after only four months in the role having failed to save the club from relegation.

Crucially, Rohl’s agreement with Wednesday stipulates that second tier sides must only pay a fraction of that amount in order to hire the former FSV Zwickau, Sachsen Leipzig and Eilenburg defender. With Southampton surrendering their top-flight status, that brings him back within the south coast club’s orbit.

ON HIS WAY OUT

Despite forging strong ties with Wednesday supporters and many officials behind the scenes, Rohl is thought to have grown increasingly disillusioned in recent months - fearing his work is increasingly being undermined by off-the-pitch matters beyond the control of either him or his coaching team.

Insiders with knowledge of the situation believe it is now a matter of when - not if - Rohl departs South Yorkshire, having taken charge in October 2023.

Prior to joining Wednesday, who some claim are already tentatively considering his eventual replacement, Rohl also worked at RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich and served as an assistant manager to the German national squad.

Leipzig are also monitoring his situation closely, having just sacked Marco Rose. Although the opportunity to work in his homeland again would appeal, the prospect of being able to rebuild Southampton with significant backing his understood to be equally enticing for Rohl.