Sheffield Wednesday takeover: Every linked potential buyer so far as December 5th looms | OneFootball

A number of names have been linked with a potential takeover at Sheffield Wednesday

Interest around a takeover at Sheffield Wednesday has intensified after the club went into administration in late October.

The Owls’ previous owner Dejphon Chansiri was seeking a reported £100 million to sell his stake in the Championship side despite their significant financial issues.

It was reported earlier this month that a 5 December deadline has been set for when administrators Begbies Traynor would like to name a preferred bidder.

A reserve price of around £30 million has been set in order to purchase the Championship side, although it’s hoped that the sale may rise beyond that figure due to the level of competition surrounding a takeover.

Here we look at the names of the potential buyers still reportedly interested in a deal for Sheffield Wednesday…

Ryan Howsam

It has been reported by This is Money that Ryan Howsam is interested in a deal to purchase Sheffield Wednesday.

The British businessman is the founder of Staysure, a travel insurance company, that has helped him amass a level of wealth that could allow him to take over the Championship side.

Howsam is a Sheffield native, and this step could potentially help bring some local connection back to the club after a difficult few years under Chansiri.

The Staysure founder has no experience in football ownership, and it is unclear just how much he has offered to buy the Owls at this stage.

Howsam does not currently reside in the UK, but instead lives in Dubai, and he has been outside of the country for more than 20 years, with his business also being registered in Gibraltar.

It remains to be seen whether he has the businessman acumen to turn things around at Sheffield Wednesday, or if supporters would welcome his arrival.

Adam Shaw

Adam Shaw was previously linked with a US-based consortium that have an interest in buying Sheffield Wednesday.

He opened up on their prospective bid during the summer prior to the Owls going into administration, claiming that a constructive dialogue had been opened with the law firm that represented Chansiri.

However, it remains unclear whether they are still in the mix for a takeover of the Championship side ahead of 5 December.

Mike Ashley

Mike Ashley is someone with plenty of experience in football ownership, having held majority control of Newcastle United from 2007 to 2021.

He was also previously involved in the ownership of Scottish giants Rangers in a minority investment capacity.

The 61-year-old is currently out of the game, but is reportedly eyeing a return through the purchase of Sheffield Wednesday.

However, it has been claimed that he has yet to place a formal offer, his interest is still well documented at this stage.

Ashley was an unpopular figure during most of his time on Tyneside, and his reputation as a businessman is less than favourable.

However, his experience in football ownership could make him well placed to take over at Hillsborough.

It was reported as recently as October that David Richards is interested in a deal to take over Sheffield Wednesday.

It remains to be seen whether he has the funds to complete a deal that could cost north of £30 million to complete, along with any further costs that are associated with the future day-to-day running of the first team.

Richards has not been confirmed as one of the interested parties to have made a bid for the club following their move into administration.

John McEvoy

John McEvoy has experience in sports ownership, but has yet to make a foray into football specifically.

The American is reportedly among the parties interested in completing a deal for Sheffield Wednesday as the 5 December deadline looms.

McEvoy has ownership stakes in both the Colorado Rockies, who compete in Major League Baseball, as well as National Hockey League team Nashville Predators.

He will be hoping to translate his acumen from sports in the US to English football, should he win the race to purchase Sheffield Wednesday.

COH Sports

Meanwhile, it was also reported that Sheffield United owners COH Sports also showed interest in a deal to merge the two clubs.

This could lead to a spectacular merger of the two heated rivals, who recently contested a fixture at Hillsborough which saw the Blades earn a 3-0 win.

It's unlikely supporters would welcome such a move, and their interest is not expected to progress any further.

John Textor

Former Crystal Palace stakeholder John Textor is seeking a return to English football after leaving the Eagles earlier this year.

It was reported in August that the American was coming to the UK for talks with Chansiri, but nothing came to fruition while the Thai businessman was still in control of the Championship side.

It has since been claimed that the 60-year-old is keen on a deal to purchase Sheffield Wednesday's rivals Derby County, so it remains to be seen whether he will still be in the mix to take over at Hillsborough.