Sheffield Wednesday’s preferred bidder is unlikely to be named before the end of this week, with a significant £15 million payment to previous owner Dejphon Chansiri complicating the Owls’ ongoing search for new ownership following their administration and the departure of the unpopular Thai businessman.
The Yorkshire club entered into administration in late October following serious financial troubles, including several failures to pay staff and players on time throughout 2025, resulting in a slew of EFL embargoes.
Begbies Traynor have been appointed as administrators, and they are looking to sell the Championship club, with many names associated with a takeover.
Billionaire John McEvoy has been cited as a potential buyer, as has former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley.
Sheffield Wednesday’s buyout of Dejphon Chansiri encounters stumbling hurdle in £15 million Dejphon Chansiri’s issue
Prospective Sheffield Wednesday buyers have reportedly delayed their final bids before a preferred bidder is selected.
It is believed that there are some misgivings about a potential £15 million payment payable to Chansiri as part of the takeover.
The final price to buy Sheffield Wednesday is believed to be approximately £30 million, though this may climb depending on the severity of the competition to seal a deal.
The sale will compel the new owner to pay off the Owls’ creditors at 25c per pound, putting Chansiri’s £62.5 million debt at about £15 million.
It is understood that this figure is proving to be a stumbling issue, with detailed dives now being performed on the Championship side’s accounts as we approach the end of the purchase negotiation process.
Sheffield Wednesday have already been deducted 18 points this season, leaving Henrik Pedersen’s team at the bottom of the table and 28 points from safety.
Dejphon Chansiri’s payout is a regrettable feature of the Sheffield Wednesday purchase.
Sheffield Wednesday fans will be disappointed if Chansiri receives any proceeds from the club’s sale, given how he managed their finances.
However, those are the current terms of a sale, and the reality is that the new owners will have to make this amount in order to get their hands on the Owls.
Finally, £30 million may be a reasonable amount to pay for a team of Sheffield Wednesday’s size and stature, so it should work out in the end.
More investment will be required in addition to the purchase price, but it may be well worth it if the Yorkshire club can get back on track and reclaim their old glory.
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