What is going on with John Textor after Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County takeover links? | OneFootball

FLW takes a look at the latest regarding John Textor after he was previously linked with both the Owls and the Rams.

John Textor is a name that has long been associated with football, and in recent times, supporters of two Championship clubs have found themselves linked with him.

The American businessman has spent time in the boardroom at Crystal Palace, French club Olympique Lyonnais, Brazilian giants Botafogo and Belgian outfit RWDM Brussels. As part of Eagle Football Holdings, the 60-year-old was involved in the running of all of these clubs.

He looked to add to his portfolio in 2025, as Dejphon Chansiri's time owning Sheffield Wednesday drew to a messy and much-needed end. However, the Owls were put into administration, and Textor was unable to complete a takeover of the South Yorkshire side.

In January, reports of his dismissal at EFH started to spread, and Football League World has taken a look at the latest news regarding the businessman.

The latest news regarding John Textor after reports of dismissal from Eagle Football Holdings

It was L'Équipe who first stated that Eagle Football Holdings were set to bring Textor's time as a director of the multi-club football ownership company to an end after he tried to work his way back into the boardroom at Lyon once again.

Investor Ares allegedly let the American go, but at this current time, he remains a part of the company and is still listed on the website as the founder and chairman.

Textor's time at Lyon came to an end in the summer after he penned his resignation following pressure as the club suffered from significant financial problems that almost saw them relegated to Ligue 2. However, following an appeal, their top flight status was reinstated, and they currently sit third in Ligue 1.

Meanwhile, Textor continues to own Botafogo in Brazil. He first took charge of the club in 2022, and has overseen a significant period of success. They won the league title in 2024, and the Copa Libertadores for the first ever time, but last year they were handed a transfer ban by FIFA.

The likelihood of John Textor taking over a club in England is slim

In November, Alan Nixon took to his Patreon to reveal that the American was interested in purchasing Derby County as David Clowes looked for fresh investment at Pride Park after just over three years in charge of the Rams.

While it was reported that Textor was potentially going to be in the East Midlands to watch the team face Watford, since that initial report, there has been no further update and it seems unlikely that Clowes would sell to the 60-year-old considering the speculation around his future at Eagle Football Holdings.

Meanwhile, his interest in purchasing Sheffield Wednesday earlier in 2025 was 'overstated' and while there was potential talk about making a move for the Owls, a deal was never as close as it first seemed.