A billionaire candidate who had been looking to buy the club has reportedly decided to complete his bid for Sheffield Wednesday as the first deadline approaches.
Sheffield Wednesday nearing original deadline
Optimistic or not, Sheffield Wednesday co-manager Chris Wigfield had originally set a soft deadline of December 5 to find the club’s preferred bidder. But there’s only one day left, and it seems unlikely the Owls will get an answer in the next 24 hours.
On the contrary, it was a frustrating week. The lingering effects of Digiphone Chansiri’s ownership have seen the club deducted an additional six points and must already turn their focus to next season’s Championship relegation and campaign in Ligue 1.
After a decision that only adds salt to their wounds, Wednesday will be hoping to see some progress on their acquisition sooner rather than later.
Several rumors have surfaced that multiple candidates are interested in this regard, with one report earlier this week even suggesting that some parties may opt for a joint bid.
It’s a significant move to match the Owls’ £30m valuation, but it remains to be seen whether manager Begbie-Traynor will be okay with it.
Meanwhile, there are reports that Mike Ashley has already had one offer from the club rejected because he was priced below Sheffield Wednesday’s valuation. The former Newcastle United owner is one of the interested candidates, although he has not yet matched with any other bidders.
But the same cannot be said for Anders Horch Povlsen, whose latest verdict on Hillsborough’s takeover of the club dealt a frustrating blow to Hillsborough officials.
Pobulsen decides to buy Sheffield Wednesday
According to Danish outlet Tipsbladet and relayed by The Star, Povlsen is not on the shortlist to buy Sheffield Wednesday. The Dane may have considered clubs but decided against putting his name in the hat ahead of the Owls’ important decision.
His interest would no doubt have been welcomed by the people of Hillsboro. Mr Povlsen, who already owns Midjylland, is estimated to be worth $11.3bn (£8bn) in 2022, according to his profile in Forbes magazine.
Simon Jordan reveals Sheffield Wednesday ‘consortium’ as shared next acquisition step
The Owls have set a soft deadline for Dec. 5.
The 53-year-old inherited a majority stake in ASOS and is reported to be the UK’s largest private landowner thanks to his land in the Scottish Highlands. Therefore, it is safe to say that money is not the issue.
Sadly, it wasn’t just Povlsen’s money that made him an attractive acquisition candidate before he decided to leave. The Dane also ticks the box of experience in the world of football, something other rumored candidates don’t have. In many ways he was the ideal person for the job, but Wednesday must now look elsewhere.
