- Sheffield Wednesday given permission by EFL to make signing with three buyers in takeover frame
- Club deducted 12 points after being placed into administration and currently sit bottom of the Championship
- Liam Cooper signed at Hillsborough, despite interest from elsewhere
- Duncan Watmore and Nathan Redmond training with club as potential signings
The Administration Struggle: Sheffield Wednesday’s Downfall
Sheffield Wednesday’s tumultuous journey into administration has brought unprecedented challenges to the club, with a myriad of issues that have left them in dire straits. The Owls were hit hard when they and their owner, Dejphon Chansiri, faced charges from the EFL over payment obligations. This led to a series of embargos and financial penalties, culminating in the club’s 12-point deduction and relegation to the bottom tier of English football.
The Current Situation: A Race Against Time
Despite these challenges, Sheffield Wednesday have been granted special dispensation by the EFL to sign another player. This is a significant move as it allows the club to bolster its squad while it remains under administration and faces a transfer embargo. The club has already signed former Leeds United defender Liam Cooper last week, indicating that they are moving quickly to secure players for their upcoming matches.
Moreover, two free agents, former Millwall, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough forward Duncan Watmore, and ex-Burnley, Southampton, and Birmingham winger Nathan Redmond, have been training with the club. While no deals have yet been finalized with these players, they represent potential reinforcements for the team.
The Takeover Bid Process: A High-Stakes Game
With six injured players in their squad and several others set to leave for the Africa Cup of Nations, Sheffield Wednesday is in urgent need of fresh blood. The administrators from Begbies Traynor have authorized the club to make signings, but they are also managing a complex takeover bid process. There are credible offers already on the table from three separate buyers who want to take over at Hillsborough.
According to Sky Sports News, the administrators have given extra time for two further interested parties to finalize their bids before closing the market. It is hoped that by the end of next week, they will be in a position to grant preferred-bidder status to one potential buyer who offers the best proposition for taking Sheffield Wednesday forward and ensuring long-term stability.
A Look Back: The Owls’ Troubled Year
The year 2025 has been particularly difficult for Sheffield Wednesday. From June 3, when they were charged with breaching EFL regulations, to October 16 when the club filed for administration and received a 12-point deduction, the Owls have faced numerous setbacks. Key moments include:
- June 3: Club and owner charged with breaching EFL regulations regarding payment obligations
- June 18: Three-window fee restriction imposed due to late payments between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025
- October 24: Club files for administration and receives a 12-point deduction from the EFL
The club’s financial woes have had a ripple effect on their operations.
The closure of the North Stand at Hillsborough was necessitated by a Prohibition Notice issued following a meeting with the local Safety Advisory Group. Despite these challenges, Sheffield Wednesday continues to navigate a complex path towards recovery and stability.
