Four or Five Serious Bids for Sheffield Wednesday – S

‘Four or Five Serious Bids’ for Sheffield Wednesday Amid Ownership Push

Sheffield Wednesday’s joint administrator, Kris Wigfield, has confirmed that the club has received “four or five” serious takeover bids, just days after entering administration.

Following Dejphon Chansiri’s decision to put the Championship club into administration on Friday, Wigfield revealed that concrete interest has already emerged, and the goal is to complete a sale before the end of the calendar year.

Ownership Deal Could Arrive Before January Window

Appearing on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Wake Up to Money, Wigfield said that while numerous parties have expressed interest, only a select few have met the criteria set by both the administrators and the English Football League (EFL):

“We certainly think there are already four or five interested parties that look like the real deal.”

Interested buyers must:

1. Demonstrate the financial ability to keep the club viable for several years, and

2. Pass the EFL’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test.

If those conditions are met, formal talks can begin.

Wigfield added that EFL rules require a 28-day marketing period, meaning a preferred bidder could be named by late November — with a deal potentially wrapped up before January, in time for the winter transfer window.

Point Deductions & League One Risk Remain

The Owls have already been hit with a 12-point deduction for entering administration, plunging them to the bottom of the Championship on -6 points and 16 adrift of safety.

They also face a separate disciplinary hearing over unpaid wages, with the risk of further points deductions this season. However, administrators hope this won’t deter potential buyers, especially with the expectation that any additional sanctions will not carry over into 2026/27.

Fans Raise £500,000 Since Friday

Despite the chaos, Sheffield Wednesday fans have responded with overwhelming support:

• Over £500,000 has been raised via ticket and merchandise sales since Friday.

• A season-high crowd of 27,261 returned to Hillsborough on Saturday for the 2-1 loss to Oxford United, ending a widespread fan boycott.

Wigfield praised supporters for helping keep the club afloat in the short term:

“We had no money to start with, but the fans have already put in over half a million pounds… The response has been incredible.”

He urged continued support to meet wage payments due next week, noting that more match tickets have been released for upcoming home games.

What’s Next for the Owls?

• November: Administrators aim to name a preferred bidder.

• By End of 2025: Full sale completion targeted.

• January 2026: New owners could fund player signings — pending EFL approval.

• Remainder of Season: An uphill battle to avoid relegation with or without additional point deductions.