Sheffield Wednesday could be heading towards another major problem at the end of January if a takeover of the club is not completed in time.
The Championship side has been in administration since late October, and while there had been optimism that a sale would be finalised before the end of the year, that deadline has now passed.
Although a preferred bidder has been identified — former Sheffield United adviser James Bord — any deal now looks unlikely to be completed before January at the earliest.
On the pitch, Wednesday remain rooted to the bottom of the Championship with just one league win all season. Off the pitch, however, the growing concern is financial. If a takeover is not concluded by the end of the January transfer window, the club could be forced into further player sales to stay afloat.
Journalist Alan Nixon reported on Sunday that Wednesday may have no choice but to sell key assets once the window closes. Writing on his Patreon, Nixon warned that a funding shortfall could emerge before the next transfer window opens, with goalkeeper Pierce Charles among the players who may need to be sold, alongside other young prospects.
Nixon explained that the short-term financial stability achieved following Dejphon Chansiri’s departure will not last indefinitely. A £1 million loan from an anonymous supporter, along with other fundraising measures, ensured players and staff were paid through October, November and December, but those resources will gradually diminish.
The report also highlights that replacing head coach Henrik Pedersen would not be straightforward. The Dane is on a three-year contract, and sources suggest any settlement required to remove him would be significant should Bord decide to make a managerial change.
With an already thin squad, the prospect of further departures in January will alarm supporters. Losing Pierce Charles in particular would be a blow, with the 20-year-old having been at the club since 2021 despite missing much of this season through injury. There is also concern that rival clubs could exploit Wednesday’s financial situation, reducing the fees they might receive.
Nixon added that Bord was heavily involved in Sheffield United’s decision to part company with Chris Wilder and appoint Ruben Selles during the 2024–25 season — a move that had lasting consequences for United. From that perspective, some fans may view a potential change in direction at Hillsborough as less daunting.
Ultimately, Wednesday supporters will be hoping the administrators can complete the sale before the end of January. Further player losses are something the club can scarcely afford, even with relegation already widely viewed as inevitable long before Christmas.
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