Sheffield Wednesday are expected to part ways with manager Danny Rohl, with talks progressing over a potential exit agreement.
The German coach is unlikely to return for pre-season, bringing an end to his tenure after just 18 months at Hillsborough.
Talks Ongoing as £5m Clause Blocks Exit
Rohl became a cult hero at Hillsborough during the 2023/24 campaign after dramatically guiding Wednesday to survival. His tactical acumen and energetic approach saw the Owls avoid relegation against the odds, winning admiration from fans and the wider footballing world.
The 35-year-old followed up that miracle escape with a solid 12th-place finish in 2024/25—an achievement that only strengthened his reputation. However, since the end of the season, Rohl has made no secret of his desire to return to Germany, stating he is “comfortable” in England but clearly leaning towards a move home.
Sheffield Wednesday, reluctant to lose their highly-rated manager, have been holding out due to a reported £5 million release clause. With Rohl unwilling to resign without compensation and owner Dejphon Chansiri refusing to waive the fee, the situation has remained deadlocked throughout the summer.
According to recent reports, progress has finally been made towards an exit that would suit all parties. The precise terms are still being discussed, with outcomes ranging from resignation to mutual termination or dismissal. If Rohl does leave, it is unclear whether Wednesday will retain any compensation rights should he take another job.
Coaching Crisis Looms at Hillsborough
Should Rohl depart, Wednesday could be left without a senior coaching team in place. Assistant Henrik Pedersen is out of contract at the end of June, and Chris Powell’s future is also uncertain. With pre-season looming and financial issues still unresolved—some players are reportedly yet to be paid for last month—the picture is bleak.
Academy staff may be called upon to oversee training while the club scrambles for a new manager. The risk of entering the new campaign without adequate preparation is growing by the day.
Writer’s View
This has been coming for some time. Danny Rohl has handled himself with professionalism, but you can only keep a manager against his will for so long. His departure will hurt Wednesday badly—not just because of his coaching quality, but because it plunges the club into yet more chaos.
With unpaid wages, staffing uncertainty, and no first-team leadership heading into pre-season, the timing could hardly be worse. Rohl stabilised this club when it was falling apart. His exit, if mishandled, could see them back on that same path in 2025/26.
