Sheffield Wednesday suffered heartbreak in their first Championship game of the new season as Leicester City came from behind to win 2-1 at the King Power Stadium.
Nathaniel Chalobah gave the Owls the lead in the East Midlands on Sunday afternoon, before celebrating with the rest of the team in front of the away end – which had been empty at the start of the game as fans protested against Dejphon Chansiri’s ownership.
Barry Bannan was sent off in the second-half after Leicester had equalised, before Wout Faes ensured that the Foxes returned to the Championship, with three points with yet another late winner in the EFL this weekend.
Nevertheless, focus now returns to the off-field situation, with players being told that a takeover is coming. John Textor looks to be fronting that proposed purchase, but he is not alone.
Keith Harris teams up with John Textor in attempt to purchase Sheffield Wednesday
There has already been one failed takeover of the Owls this summer, and supporters will be pleading with Chansiri to ensure that Textor’s effort is successful.
US businessman and owner of Botafogo John Textor
Photo by JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images
According to a report from The Guardian, the US businessman is joining up with football financier Keith Harris in his attempt to purchase Sheffield Wednesday.
Harris, 72, has been the chairman of the Football League in the past and, as part of a consortium, he was unsuccessful as he tried to purchase Everton in 2024.
However, he does have a history of success with takeovers in football, having helped work deals to purchase Aston Villa, Manchester City and West Ham United in the past. Nevertheless, this could be his toughest task yet.
The Owls need a reprieve as soon as possible
Henrik Pedersen has a very limited squad at Sheffield Wednesday, with the problem exacerbated now that Chalobah is facing a spell on the sidelines, while Bannan is suspended for the club’s Carabao Cup first round game against Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday.
There will be hopes that a takeover can be completed before the transfer window slams shut on 1 September, and there are positive signs that help is around the corner.
Sheffield Wednesday supporters protest against team owner Dejphon Chansiri
Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Yet, the Owls have to bring in some free agents sooner rather than later, and with the club now finding themselves off the EFL embargo list, there will be hopes that this occurs.
Nonetheless, Sheffield Wednesday supporters will continue to protest until Chansiri officially hands over the keys, with the visit of Norwich City to come this weekend.