Sheffield Wednesday offered fresh takeover hope amid John Textor update | OneFootball

The US businessman is actively looking for investors

Sheffield Wednesday’s long-running ownership saga has taken another twist, with reports emerging that American businessman John Textor has intensified efforts over a deal to take control of the club.

That’s according to Alan Nixon, writing on his Patreon on Sunday morning that the former Crystal Palace co-owner has already held preliminary discussions with representatives of current Owls chairman Dejphon Chansiri, though a formal summit between the two men is yet to be confirmed.

Textor, who sold his stake in Crystal Palace earlier this summer, is believed to be fronting a consortium of wealthy backers to try and save the stricken Championship side.

John Textor ramps up Sheffield Wednesday takeover process

According to Nixon, Textor is currently working to raise the funds necessary to put forward a formal bid, but Chansiri’s stance remains a formidable obstacle.

The Thai owner has repeatedly been linked with potential buyers, but reportedly continues to hold out for a valuation of around £100 million.

That figure is widely seen as unrealistic given the club’s mounting problems, with Nixon claiming that Wednesday are "heading" in the direction of being punished with a points deductions for the multiple missed wage payments in recent months to players and staff, whilst the EFL are still not allowing the club to register new players until the Chansiri provides proof of funds for the foreseeable future.

One American consortium has already withdrawn its interest in a takeover, citing the Owls’ perilous Championship position and risk of relegation.

Dejphon Chansiri’s valuation standoff remains an impasse for Owls takeover

For Wednesday supporters, who have endured a bruising summer of embargoes, wage delays and even temporary stand closures, the prospect of fresh ownership is long overdue. Yet, any optimism is tempered by scepticism.

Chansiri has already rejected a £40 million offer from an unnamed group, a figure far closer to market expectations, and appears intent on maintaining his inflated asking price.

In the meantime, the club remains hamstrung by a transfer ban that runs until 2027, imposed after repeated failures to meet wage obligations.

The financial uncertainty has bled into the results on the pitch, with Wednesday beginning the Championship campaign among the favourites for relegation, sitting in 23rd position with a single point.

Against this backdrop, Textor’s interest is at least a source of cautious encouragement. The American has experience in revitalising struggling clubs, most notably Botafogo in Brazil, and sees Wednesday as a sleeping giant in need of revival.

His persistence in seeking talks with Chansiri indicates a serious intent to explore a takeover, even if a deal still appears some distance away.

For the Hillsborough faithful, the cycle of hope and disappointment under successive ownership sagas has created a climate of weary resignation.