Sheffield Wednesday news: Adam Shaw takeover developments, Milan Mandaric visit imminent, Critical unpaid wages issue | OneFootball

The latest updates from S6

As the summer rolls on at Hillsborough, off-field uncertainty continues to cast a shadow over Sheffield Wednesday.

With a critical payment deadline fast approaching, ongoing takeover discussions gaining traction, and a former Owls owner pledging to step back in, the situation surrounding the club remains fluid and deeply concerning for supporters.

Below is a roundup of the key developments currently shaping the landscape in S6.

Players nearing FIFA sanctioned deadline as payment issues persist

Wednesday are facing a critical deadline over unpaid wages that could see key players leave the club for nothing.

According to The Sheffield Star, several senior players remain unpaid for May, with only a handful believed to have received full wages.

If not resolved by Monday 30th June, the club risks triggering FIFA regulations that allow players unpaid for two consecutive months to issue a 15 day notice to terminate their contracts and leave as free agents.

With the next payday also due on June 30, the club has just days to act and prevent a major blow to its 2024/25 Championship campaign.

While the identities of those affected remain undisclosed, the potential loss of contracted first-team players without compensation adds fresh urgency to an already strained situation.

The crisis has deepened as the EFL placed the Owls under a three window paid transfer ban and a registration embargo that blocks all new signings until outstanding payments are resolved.

In addition, a reported wage cap of £7,000 per week has been enforced for any new arrivals.

This significantly hampers Wednesday’s recruitment efforts - and raises questions over contract renewals for senior players like Barry Bannan, Callum Paterson, and Akin Famewo, whose current deals expire this month.

While all three have been offered new terms, it remains unclear whether the wage cap would apply to them as re-signings.

Takeover bid led by Adam Shaw moves into new phase

There has been a notable shift in tone from the Florida-based consortium looking to take over Sheffield Wednesday, with leader Adam Shaw offering fresh hope that negotiations are moving forward.

Shaw, a lifelong Wednesdayite based in the United States, recently revealed that the group is now in “constructive open dialogue” with a London-based law firm representing the Chansiri family.

It marks a significant development following weeks of frustration over stalled progress and rejected bids reportedly worth £48 million and £55 million.

The group’s intentions have been well publicised in recent weeks, with Shaw laying out an ambitious vision for the club’s future in an interview with The Athletic.

However, until now, the process has been hindered by a lack of engagement from current chairman Dejphon Chansiri.

Shaw’s statement, released via The Wednesday 'Til I Die podcast, suggests cautious optimism: he confirmed that the consortium are attempting to balance transparency with discretion in order to keep fans informed while respecting the complexity of takeover discussions.

Supporters will be encouraged by the latest communication, but the timeline for a potential deal remains unclear - and Wednesday’s worsening financial situation could accelerate or derail proceedings at any moment.

Milan Mandaric to fly in with plans for Wednesday rescue

Adding another layer of intrigue to an already volatile situation, former Wednesday owner Milan Mandaric has announced plans to return to the UK and explore the possibility of rescuing the club.

Mandaric, who sold the club to Chansiri in 2015, told BBC Radio Sheffield that he intends to fly to London this week for direct talks with the current owner.

He warned that the club is on the brink of destruction under the Thai businessman’s leadership and has begun assembling a group to prepare a takeover proposal.

“I am going to definitely try to see him with my people and be very straight in telling him that he is going to destroy the club unless he lets new people like me get involved,” said Mandaric.

The 86 year old, who previously owned Portsmouth and Leicester City, is understood to be consulting former Wednesday executives Paul Aldridge and John Redgate about the feasibility of a bid.

Mandaric’s involvement will undoubtedly stir emotions among fans, many of whom remember his tenure as a more stable period for the club.