According to The Star, the club’s administrators have confirmed that several bids were lodged before Friday’s soft deadline—and more proposals could still arrive over the next few days. Interest has intensified since former owner Dejphon Chansiri placed both the club and its stadium-owning company into administration, drawing a close to his turbulent ten-year reign.
Despite the club suffering a 12-point deduction for entering administration—effectively sealing their relegation to League One—there has been substantial interest from potential buyers. Up to 12 groups are said to have provided proof of funds totalling at least £50 million.
Ahead of the deadline, reports suggested that former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley and US billionaire John McEvoy were among the groups preparing formal bids. However, a Middle Eastern consortium is believed to have withdrawn, discouraged by the expected competitiveness of the sale process and the high long-term costs required to run the club.
Although the exact number of submitted bids remains unclear, administrators are now entering a two-week negotiation window, with a preferred bidder expected to be chosen by December 5th.
Fresh Takeover Update Boosts Optimism Among Fans
In a new statement to supporters, joint administrator Kris Wigfield confirmed that the takeover is entering a crucial stage, with initial interest converting into official bids.
“We are now moving into the next stage of the process, where early expressions of interest become firm offers,” Wigfield said.
“The deadline was set to build momentum and ensure fairness—and many parties respected it. Some bidders have asked for a little more time, and we’ve appreciated their transparency.”
Wigfield added that although the deadline was “soft,” the administrators would still consider any strong, credible bid that arrives slightly late, as their priority is to secure the best possible outcome for the club.
He confirmed that 12 parties with verified funds were granted access to the club’s data room and that several have already submitted competitive offers, with more expected shortly. He described the level of interest as a “very strong position” for the club, reflecting Sheffield Wednesday’s long-term potential.
A decision on which offer will move forward to exclusivity—along with EFL approval checks—is expected early next week.
Why Fans Should Feel Hopeful
While uncertainty naturally remains until a new owner is officially announced, the latest update offers supporters genuine encouragement. The fact that multiple financially capable groups have submitted serious proposals, despite the club’s high operating costs and the need for substantial upgrades at Hillsborough, suggests strong confidence in Sheffield Wednesday’s future.
Any new ownership group will face major financial commitments—potentially £100 million over the next three years—yet the ongoing interest indicates that bidders believe in the club’s potential to rebuild and grow.
As due diligence continues, the administrators must make a careful and informed decision about the preferred bidder. But after a turbulent period, this latest development provides genuine momentum and renewed optimism for Wednesday fans.
Leave a Reply