Sheffield Wednesday could soon be under new ownership as American businessman John Textor has expressed serious interest in acquiring the Championship club. Textor, who recently sold his stake in Crystal Palace, is preparing for direct talks with current owner Dejphon Chansiri over a potential deal worth around £100 million.
Chansiri, who has faced growing fan protests and mounting financial pressure, has already spoken with several potential buyers this summer. Earlier in the year, he reportedly turned down a £40 million offer from another American group. However, the club’s ongoing instability, including repeated late wage payments and significant unrest among supporters, has only increased the urgency for change at Hillsborough.
For Textor, the opportunity represents a familiar challenge. In 2022, he took over Botafogo in Brazil when they were struggling in the second division. Within two years, the club was transformed into champions of South America after securing the Brazilian league title in 2024. That experience has encouraged him to consider Sheffield Wednesday as a project with similar potential – a sleeping giant in need of revival.
Wednesday’s problems extend beyond the financial situation. This summer saw the departure of manager Danny Röhl and several key players, leaving the squad threadbare at the start of the campaign. Although the transfer embargo has been lifted, new signings still require approval from the league, further complicating recruitment efforts. At one point, the club was reduced to just 15 senior players, underlining the severity of the crisis.
The issues are not limited to the pitch either. Hillsborough faced safety concerns in July when the North Stand was deemed unfit for spectators before the prohibition was later lifted. Such instability has only deepened the frustration among fans, many of whom chose to boycott recent matches in protest against Chansiri’s leadership.
Should Textor complete the takeover, his immediate priority would be to strengthen the squad and restore stability both on and off the field. Working with financial institutions on long-term investment strategies through Eagle Football Holdings, he sees Wednesday as an ideal candidate for turnaround success. With negotiations expected to progress in the coming weeks, supporters will be hoping that this potential deal marks the beginning of a new era for their club.
