Administrators overseeing Sheffield Wednesday received an inquiry about a potential merger with their cross-town rivals, Sheffield United, according to multiple reports.
With both teams struggling in the English Championship, Sheffield Wednesday is currently on the market following their previous owner, Dejphon Chansiri, placing the club into administration in October. The asking price is reported to be over £30 million ($39.6 million).
The Daily Mail and Sky Sports have indicated that an interested party proposed an unexpected merger with Sheffield United, which was promptly dismissed. Meanwhile, several outlets, including The Daily Telegraph, claim that COH Sports, the American owners of Sheffield United, contacted Wednesday’s administrators at Begbies Traynor regarding the sale of the club.
COH Sports did not deny this inquiry in their morning statement addressing fans, which reaffirmed their goal of returning the club to the Premier League.
The notion of a merger has been characterized by Sky as potentially far-fetched, and it is believed that neither the EFL nor the new Football Regulator would support it.
Following Sheffield United’s 3-0 victory against 10-man Portsmouth, manager Chris Wilder shared his perspective on the merger discussions.
He stated, “My responsibilities are already challenging with our current position and our goals. Any decisions regarding this matter will be handled by [Chief Executive Officer] Steve Bettis and the ownership group. My primary focus is entirely on the players and helping the team improve our standings.”
Reports from Sky Sports also suggest that COH Sports is not among the five potential buyers progressing through the sale process with Wednesday’s administrators.
Sheffield Wednesday aims to finalize a buyer by December 5.
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Co-administrator Kris Wigfield noted last Friday that 12 potential buyers with verified funds of £50 million have been given access to the club’s data room. Reports from the Telegraph mention that former Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has made an offer around £20 million for the South Yorkshire club.
Having entered administration on October 24, the Owls were dealt a 12-point deduction.
Wigfield, a lifelong Wednesday season ticket holder since 1984, took charge after the club’s players faced delayed wages for five out of the previous seven months under the tenure of Chansiri.
Currently, Sheffield Wednesday stands at the bottom of the Championship with a -4 points total, trailing 17 points from safety.
Both clubs have been reached out to for comments by the PA news agency, and COH Sports has also been contacted by ESPN.
Information from PA contributed to this report.