The American owners of Sheffield United have declined to deny extraordinary reports that they proposed a merger with their arch-rivals, Sheffield Wednesday, as former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley enters the fray with a formal takeover bid.
A Tumultuous Period for Sheffield Wednesday
This speculation emerges during the most turbulent period in Sheffield Wednesday's long history. The club was forced into administration last month by its owner, Thai tuna magnate Dejphon Chansiri, after it failed to meet player wage obligations on five of the previous seven pay days.
The situation on the pitch is equally dire. A 3-0 defeat to Sheffield United in the Steel City derby last Sunday left the Owls stranded at the bottom of the Championship with a staggering -4 points.
Takeover Bids and Merger Rumours
Administrators from Begbies Traynor are now overseeing the sale of the beleaguered club and aim to select a preferred bidder by December 4. It is understood that twelve parties submitted proof of funds, with five having now tabled formal offers.
Among the reported bidders is Mike Ashley, the former Newcastle owner, who has tabled an offer in the region of £20 million. However, the most shocking development came with claims that CHO Sports, the American-led ownership group of Sheffield United, had expressed interest in acquiring Wednesday and merging the two historic rivals.
The notion of a merger between the two clubs, whose rivalry is one of the most intense in English football, was met with widespread disbelief and anger from supporters of both sides on social media.
United's Statement and Fan Reaction
Sheffield United released an official statement following the derby victory, celebrating the win and discussing the team's season. However, the statement conspicuously failed to address or deny the merger claims that have dominated headlines.
The club's owners, led by Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy, spoke of their confidence in returning to the Premier League but made no mention of the elephant in the room. This silence has only fuelled further speculation and concern among the Sheffield football community.
As the December 4 deadline approaches, the future of Sheffield Wednesday hangs in the balance, with a potential takeover by a familiar face in Mike Ashley or an unprecedented and controversial union with their greatest rivals.
