Key Highlights
- Mike Ashley is linked with a takeover of Sheffield Wednesday.
- The club faces financial difficulties under current owner Dejphon Chansiri.
- Ashley has had previous involvement in football, including owning Newcastle United from 2007 to 2021.
- Chansiri is seeking investment rather than a full sale for Sheffield Wednesday.
The Financial Struggles of Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Wednesday, once a prominent club in the English football league system, finds itself embroiled in financial turmoil. The club has been operating under a challenging regime since Dejphon Chansiri took over as owner earlier this year. A series of mishaps, including repeated late payments to players and staff, have led to severe consequences for the club.
According to reports by the Daily Mail, Sheffield Wednesday is on the verge of being served with a winding-up petition due to an unpaid tax bill estimated at around £750,000. If Chansiri cannot settle this debt, he might be forced to put the club into administration.
Mike Ashley’s Ambitions in Football
Mike Ashley, former owner of Newcastle United and founder of Sports Direct and the Frasers Group, is reportedly monitoring the situation at Sheffield Wednesday. Ashley stepped down from his role as CEO but remains a director of the main board of Frasers Group. His net worth stands at $5.6 billion (£4.2 billion).
Ashley has a history of involvement in football beyond Newcastle United.
He held an 8.92% stake in Rangers between October 2014 and June 2017, and he owned Coventry City’s CBS Arena stadium from November 2022 to August 2025. Ashley was also interested in Derby County’s potential sale after it went into administration.
The Current Ownership Situation
Despite his background, Ashley faces several challenges if he decides to pursue the Sheffield Wednesday takeover. Chansiri is currently only seeking investment rather than a full sale for the club. Ashley would need to overcome the reported £100 million valuation set by Chansiri.
The situation at Hillsborough remains fluid.
While Ashley may find it difficult to negotiate directly with Chansiri, his interest could increase if Sheffield Wednesday were to go into administration. This scenario could offer a reduced fee for Ashley and eliminate the need for negotiations with Chansiri.
Expert Analysis
Alan Biggs, a respected local journalist, has confirmed that Ashley is monitoring developments at Sheffield Wednesday. In recent posts on X, Biggs reiterates his confirmation of Ashley’s interest in the club. This ongoing situation highlights the complex nature of football ownership and the financial challenges faced by clubs like Sheffield Wednesday.
As the drama unfolds, observers will be watching closely to see if Ashley can turn around another struggling club or if the Owls will continue their current plight under Chansiri’s stewardship.
