French journalist makes "shocking" John Textor claim - It may concern Sheffield Wednesday supporters | OneFootball

John Textor has been mentioned as prospective new owner of Sheffield Wednesday

French journalist Julien Laurens has outlined the role prospective new Sheffield Wednesday owner John Textor has played in Lyon’s enforced relegation to Ligue 2.

It was reported earlier this week that the American businessman is considering a bid to purchase the Owls from Dejphon Chansiri amid speculation over his ownership of the Championship side.

However, he also owns French giants Lyon too, who were hit a massive stumbling block on Tuesday when it was confirmed that the club have been relegated by the nation’s football watchdog, the National Directorate of Management Control (DNCG).

This decision has been made due to the severe financial issues behind the scenes, although an appeal is expected, with the club reportedly £422 million in debt.

John Textor’s ownership acumen criticised amid Sheffield Wednesday links

The aforementioned Laurens has laid the blame for Lyon’s relegation at the feet of Textor, claiming his time in control of the club has been a disaster.

He claimed that the American has made the French side into a mess amid their enforced relegation, naming it as one of the worst ownership situations he’s seen in the country in quite some time.

“It’s terrible,” said Laurens, via Sky Sports on YouTube.

“Since John Textor took over and bought the club from Jean-Michel Aulas, who is this historic figure in Lyon, took this club from mid-table in the second division in the mid-80s to seven league titles in a row, semi-finals of the Champions League.

“To this now, being relegated to the second tier in France.

“John Textor made this club a mess, there is no other way of putting it, he’s been one of the worst owners that we’ve seen in French football in recent history.

“Spending money everywhere, sacking managers, it’s been terrible what he has done to this club.

“And this is where we are now.

“Again, we saw this coming since when John Textor arrived at this club.

“It’s surprising, it’s shocking, but it’s not actually that surprising really.

“I just don’t know how you get out of this, but if you’re Lyon this is a terrible position to be in.”

Textor also held shares in Premier League side Crystal Palace, but has agreed a £190 million deal to sell his stake in the club to Woody Johnson, which has led to speculation over a takeover of Sheffield Wednesday.

John Textor could test the desperation of Sheffield Wednesday supporters who have been dragged down by Dejphon Chansiri

Sheffield Wednesday supporters have urged Chansiri to cash in on his shares in the club amid their own financial issues, but Textor could present a different problem in itself.

The Owls have been charged by the EFL, with a registration embargo currently in place, after late wage payments in two of the last three months, and there's another deadline for June wages fast approaching.

Chansiri has received a lot of criticism, and it is reaching a stage where fans would rather anyone else had control of the club.

However, Textor’s track record suggests that he might not be able to provide the solution that Sheffield Wednesday fans want, given the chaos that has unfolded at Lyon.