What John Textor said about taking over Sheffield Wednesday
John Textor has emerged as one of the leading figures in the ongoing saga surrounding a potential takeover of Sheffield Wednesday, as current owner Dejphon Chansiri’s controversial reign continues to hang over the club.
For months, the Hillsborough faithful — from fans to players and even staff — have endured one crisis after another, with uncertainty and discontent defining nearly every corner of the club. The problems are deep-rooted, stretching from financial instability to mismanagement at the top, and the consequences are becoming increasingly evident both on and off the pitch.
A Club in Financial and Sporting Decline
The biggest issue confronting Sheffield Wednesday remains their perilous financial state. Years of questionable spending and poor leadership have left the club struggling to meet basic obligations. Late wage payments have become an alarming trend, and the club has already faced multiple transfer embargoes. This instability forced several senior players to walk away in the summer, weakening the squad and leaving the team heavily reliant on academy prospects.
Predictably, the results have been dire. The Owls sit rock bottom of the Championship table, collecting only six points from their opening ten fixtures. Morale is low, confidence is waning, and without immediate intervention, the threat of relegation to League One looms large.
Supporters have grown increasingly vocal in their frustration toward Chansiri. Once seen as a savior when he acquired the club in 2015, the Thai businessman has now become the face of its downfall. Fans have called repeatedly for him to sell his stake and allow someone with the financial capability and footballing acumen to take charge.
John Textor’s Interest — A Ray of Hope?
Amid the chaos, John Textor’s name has surfaced as a potential lifeline. The American entrepreneur — who has a rich background in football ownership — is reportedly keen on taking over Sheffield Wednesday and leading the club into a new era.
In August, The Guardian reported that Textor was actively seeking to raise funds to finalize a takeover bid. He is far from an outsider in world football, having previously held a 44.9% stake in Crystal Palace before selling it earlier this year. He also owns stakes in Olympique Lyonnais in France and Brazilian club Botafogo through his Eagle Football Group.
However, recent reports suggest Textor may be planning to separate from Eagle Football, pursuing a personal investment in Sheffield Wednesday. Such a move would signal a serious commitment to the project, though it would also mean navigating complex financial waters.
Complicated Negotiations and a Stubborn Asking Price
Negotiations between Textor and Chansiri are ongoing but described as “complicated.” Chansiri’s initial valuation of the club — around £100 million — has been deemed excessive by many observers, including Textor himself. While there have been suggestions that Chansiri could reduce his price to £70 million, that figure still poses a challenge.
In an interview with journalist Alan Myers, Textor shed light on the difficult situation:
“It’s not like I wouldn’t love to come in tomorrow, but they’re in a very difficult situation. There’s a lot to figure out with the owner. There is a lot to figure out with the league itself.”
He also voiced concerns about the club’s current state, noting that “half to two-thirds of that squad is under the age of 21,” which makes the timing of any potential takeover crucial. “By the time we can even get in and address things, if we were to reach a deal with the club, I hope it’s not too late,” he added.
What Textor’s Arrival Could Mean
Should Textor succeed in completing a takeover, it could mark the beginning of a long-awaited revival for Sheffield Wednesday. Fans have endured years of frustration under Chansiri’s rule — from administrative errors and financial missteps to on-field failures — and are desperate for stability and a fresh vision.
Textor’s track record suggests he could bring just that. With experience managing multiple football institutions across different continents, he has the strategic insight and business acumen to modernize the club’s structure and restore professionalism behind the scenes.
A successful takeover could offer Sheffield Wednesday the chance to rebuild their identity, invest in both the playing squad and infrastructure, and finally move forward from years of stagnation. Even if the club were to face relegation this season, having Textor at the helm might give them the resilience and resources to make an immediate return to the Championship — and perhaps, in time, aim for the top half of the table once again.
For now, though, everything hinges on Chansiri’s willingness to lower his demands and negotiate realistically. Until then, Sheffield Wednesday’s future remains in limbo — a proud club trapped between its glorious past and an uncertain future, waiting for a change that could finally bring hope back to Hillsborough.