Sheffield Wednesday receive enquiry to merge with rivals Sheffield United – report
SHEFFIELD, England – Administrators overseeing the sale of Sheffield Wednesday have received an enquiry that included a proposal to merge the Championship club with local rivals Sheffield United, sources confirmed on Wednesday. The suggestion, understood to have come from one interested party during ongoing talks over a potential takeover, was swiftly dismissed. Wednesday are currently seeking a buyer at a reported asking price in excess of £30 million.
Multiple UK outlets, including the Daily Mail and Sky Sports, reported that one prospective investor raised the possibility of combining the two clubs as part of a wider discussion over Wednesday’s future. That concept was rejected outright and is not expected to gain any traction with football authorities. Reports in The Telegraph also stated that United’s American owners, COH Sports, contacted administrators Begbies Traynor to enquire about the sale process.
COH Sports did not deny the approach when addressing supporters in a statement on Wednesday, reiterating their long-term aim to return United to the Premier League. However, Sky Sports reported that the group is not among the five shortlisted bidders currently progressing discussions with Wednesday’s administrators.
The timing of the enquiry comes as both clubs face financial and competitive challenges in the Championship. Wednesday entered administration in October under former owner Dejphon Chansiri and received a 12-point deduction as a result. Co-administrator Kris Wigfield said last week that 12 prospective bidders, each demonstrating funds of £50 million, had been granted access to due diligence materials. Former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is reported to have submitted an offer of around £20 million.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder declined to comment in depth on the speculation following his side’s 3-0 win over Portsmouth on Wednesday, stressing that ownership matters would be handled by the club hierarchy. “I’m fully focused on the team and where we want to get to,” Wilder said.
Wednesday remain bottom of the Championship on minus four points, 17 points from safety, and are aiming to grant exclusivity to a preferred bidder by December 5. Both clubs have been approached for comment.
The approach highlights growing interest from domestic and international investors in distressed English football assets, but any merger would represent unprecedented ground in the modern professional game and would almost certainly face regulatory and fan opposition.