Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United: Potential Merger and Current State of Affairs

Reports indicate that administrators managing Sheffield Wednesday have received an inquiry about a merger with their city rivals, Sheffield United.

Sheffield Wednesday, like United, is currently facing difficulties in the English Championship and is up for sale after the previous owner, Dejphon Chansiri, placed the club into administration in October. The asking price for the club is reportedly over £30 million ($39.6 million).

According to The Daily Mail and Sky Sports, one interested party proposed the extraordinary idea of merging with Sheffield United, which was swiftly dismissed. However, multiple sources, including The Daily Telegraph, have stated that the American owners of United, COH Sports, sent an email to the administrators of Wednesday, Begbies Traynor, inquiring about the club’s sale.

COH Sports did not deny this approach in a statement addressed to fans, reaffirming their ambition to return Sheffield United to the Premier League. While the merger has not been definitively ruled out, Sky Sports suggests it could be dismissed as a joke, and it is unlikely to receive support from the English Football League (EFL) or the new Football Regulator.

Following Sheffield United’s 3-0 home victory against ten-man Portsmouth, manager Chris Wilder shared his thoughts on the merger speculation. He emphasized his focus on managing the team and improving their position in the league, stating, “My job is hard enough in terms of where we were at and where we’re trying to get to, and everything will be dealt with by CEO Steve Bettis and the owners.”

Sky Sports has also reported that COH Sports is not among the five potential buyers that Wednesday’s administrators are currently negotiating with. The administrators aim to grant exclusivity to a buyer by December 5.

Co-administrator Kris Wigfield mentioned last Friday that twelve parties demonstrating proof of funds of £50 million have been granted access to the club’s data room. The Telegraph has reported that former Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has made an offer of approximately £20 million for the club.

Sheffield Wednesday was dealt a 12-point deduction after entering administration on October 24. Under the previous ownership of Chansiri, players’ wages had been delayed for five out of the previous seven months. Currently, the club sits at the bottom of the Championship with a total of minus four points, 17 points behind safety.

Both clubs have been approached for comments by the PA news agency, and COH Sports has also been contacted by ESPN.