Surprise Sheffield Wednesday takeover update emerges involving Dejphon Chansiri | OneFootball

One party now involved in a joint bid was rejected in an earlier approach to the former owner

As Sheffield Wednesday’s descent into administration continues, the battle to secure the club’s future is intensifying behind the scenes.

With creditors to satisfy, regulatory hurdles to clear and a fanbase left in prolonged uncertainty, the race to buy the Owls has become increasingly complex.

Interest from across the globe has been strong, with American investment groups particularly prominent among the suitors.

Now, as administrators close in on naming a preferred bidder, further detail has emerged about the background of one of the leading bids.

One of the parties now involved in a merged takeover effort is understood to have attempted to purchase Wednesday directly from Dejphon Chansiri earlier this year, only to be turned away months before the club’s financial crisis reached its peak.

Sheffield Wednesday takeover: New prospective ownership group was rejected by Dejphon Chansiri

The Star has reported that members of the Storch family - now teamed up with US entrepreneur Jon McEvoy - had already explored a direct approach to Chansiri earlier this year, but talks failed to progress.

That earlier interest is said to have ended in frustration over the former Wednesday Chairman’s asking price and unconventional sales process.

McEvoy’s interest in the club has been established for some time, with representatives touring both Hillsborough and the Middlewood Road training ground.

The consolidation of the Storch and McEvoy bids is believed to have contributed to delays in appointing a preferred buyer.

Once selected, the proposed Owls takeover must pass through the EFL’s regulatory approvals process, with full ratification now likely to extend into the new year.

Both parties are understood to command substantial financial resources and have opted to align in order to strengthen their position as the process narrows. Other bids remain live.

In a statement issued on Friday, joint administrator Kris Wigfield said extra time was required to protect creditor returns and secure the right long-term owner for the club.

Why bidders are joining forces to buy Sheffield Wednesday

The decision by two extremely wealthy parties to merge their interest raises questions about the scale of the task facing any new Owls owner.

While both groups are believed to possess significant personal wealth, the level of investment required to stabilise and rebuild the club is substantial.

Major infrastructure work is required at both Hillsborough and the Owls' Middlewood Road training ground, with redevelopment costs alone potentially exceeding £100 million. Beyond facilities, Wednesday will continue to operate at a loss, with annual shortfalls likely to remain significant.

Any new owner is therefore buying a long-term project. Wednesday are 27 points adrift of safety and almost certain to begin next season in League One, with a depleted squad and limited playing assets.

Off the pitch, there has been greater regulatory clarity. The EFL has confirmed no further points deductions beyond the additional six already imposed, and the club will start next season on zero points. The previously feared transfer fee restriction until 2027 is now expected to expire in January 2026, allowing more immediate squad rebuilding.

Administrators also believe there are bidders above the critical ‘25p in the pound’ threshold required to avoid further sanctions upon exit from administration.

After months of financial crisis and sporting collapse, Wednesday now stand at a defining juncture. The merger of serious financial interests reflects the scale of the challenge ahead - but also the growing belief that recovery, while costly, is possible.