In a new twist in the continuing Sheffield Wednesday takeover issue, it has been revealed that John Textor is part of an American consortium attempting to buy the crisis club from Dejphon Chansiri.
According to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, via his exclusive Patreon service, Textor is only part of a United States-based group described as “potential bidders” for Wednesday, rather than leading the takeover himself, with Chansiri himself in talks with a prospective Stateside buyer.
Wednesday have had a catastrophic recent chapter under Chansiri, with the club’s predicament appearing to deepen by the day as the season begins this weekend away to Leicester City.
Non-payment of both playing and club staff has been a pressing and recurring issue in recent times, and Owls players decided to cancel their behind-closed-doors pre-season fixture against Burnley over the weekend after not receiving their July wages, marking the fourth time in five months that players had not been paid on time.
This situation, of course, has allowed several players to walk away from their contracts, including Michael Smith and Josh Windass, while star winger Djeidi Gassama was also sold to Scottish club Rangers in a deal widely regarded as falling far short of the Mauritanian’s true transfer market value.
Away from the pitch, Wednesday were forced to close Hillsborough’s 9,255-capacity North Stand after Sheffield City Council issued a Prohibition Notice, which coincided with the departure of once-popular manager Danny Rohl, who left by mutual consent and the Owls received no compensation.
Rohl kept Wednesday in the Championship against all odds in his first season, guiding them to a respectable 12th-place finish, but with a depleted squad and a slew of unrelenting issues both on and off the field, there is grave concern about the club’s fortunes in the upcoming 2025/26 season, with Henrik Pedersen now in charge.
| Sheffield Wednesday’s league finishes under Danny Rohl | ||
| Season | League position | Points |
| 2023/24 | 20th | 53 |
| 2024/25 | 12th | 58 |
However, there has been a lot of chatter about a prospective takeover, with Textor’s name coming up frequently lately. Wednesdayites will now be hoping that the consortium’s efforts improve and a deal can be reached with Chansiri.
John Textor is part of an American company attempting to finalize the Sheffield Wednesday and Dejphon Chansiri takeovers
According to Nixon’s story, Textor is part of an American company looking into a prospective takeover of Wednesday, which Chansiri has apparently valued at a stunning £100 million.
Textor, who owns Botafogo and RWDM Brussels and recently stepped down from his role at Lyon, is said to have the funds to support a takeover after selling his 43% stake in Premier League side Crystal Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson for a reported £190 million in June. The sale was completed in order to resolve the multi-club ownership with UEFA following both Lyon and the Eagles’ qualification to the Europa League.
Textor’s sale of Palace has left the businessman looking to buy another English club, and he appears to have set his sights on Wednesday.
According to Nixon, a recent optimistic deal fell through because Chansiri was “convinced” he had sold up, implying “secrecy” surrounding new moves including a takeover.
However, Textor’s name is not going away, as observant supporters recently noticed that, somewhat intriguingly, the ex-Palace figure began following Wednesday’s official Instagram account.
According to Nixon’s report, some players have been notified of an impending takeover in order to persuade them to sign new contracts or not leave their current contracts.
Textor’s interest in owning the Owls was initially reported in June, and his name has since been eagerly tracked by supporters.
Sheffield Wednesday require an immediate Dejphon Chansiri resolution amid John Textor development
Wednesday are in terrible problems, and the current state of play has become untenable, necessitating an immediate resolution in order for the club to go on and avoid further turbulence.
Everyone but Chansiri seemed to be suffering right now. Staff at all levels are not getting paid, and the awful situation has undoubtedly had an impact on supporters, who have stayed loyal and yearning for their club to be taken over by new owners.
Whether it’s Textor’s group or another consortium, it’s commonly understood that a takeover must occur as soon as feasible. To make that possible, you believe Chansiri’s unreasonable valuation of the club must first be reduced – and both Wednesday supporters and the wider footballing world will be hoping the Thai tycoon can set a more acceptable asking price to permit a takeover.
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