Sheffield Wednesday’s internal unrest has escalated, with multiple senior players—led by influential forward Josh Windass—informing the club of their desire to move on.
The unrest follows consecutive months of delayed wage payments, as the Owls face mounting financial pressure under Thai owner Dejphon Chansiri.
Windass Departure?
Windass, who finished the 2024/25 campaign as Wednesday’s top scorer with 13 goals and five assists from 44 Championship appearances, has long been a fan favourite at Hillsborough. His strike on the final day of last season made him the club’s highest scorer of the 21st century—likely marking a fitting farewell if his departure is confirmed.
Despite his affection for the supporters, sources indicate Windass is ready to leave due to the instability behind the scenes. His situation is now being closely monitored by a number of Championship clubs, with the possibility of a free or cut-price deal likely to attract interest across the second tier.
Off the field, Wednesday remain in flux. Reports suggest American investor John Textor—whose Eagle Football Holdings owns Lyon and Botafogo—has shown interest in a potential takeover. However, no formal bid has been tabled, and the club’s ownership situation remains unresolved.
Further complicating matters, manager Danny Röhl did not report back for pre-season on time and has also made clear his desire to leave the club. Röhl, who guided the team to a 12th-place finish after taking over mid-season, appears disillusioned by the club’s direction and lack of financial clarity.
Windass is not alone in seeking an exit. Sources suggest five or six senior players have made similar moves in recent weeks, leaving Wednesday in a precarious position ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Writer’s View
It’s hard to overstate the gravity of the situation at Sheffield Wednesday. Josh Windass asking to leave should be a wake-up call—not only because of what he offers on the pitch, but because of what his departure would symbolise. He’s been a talismanic figure in recent years, and if he’s lost faith in the club’s direction, others will likely follow.
With the manager unsettled and the ownership under scrutiny, Wednesday are at risk of spiralling into another period of instability. Unless a takeover is completed swiftly and player confidence restored, this could be a damaging summer for one of English football’s sleeping giants.
