Sheffield Wednesday are set to lose two key players as their financial crisis deepens—with Djeidi Gassama on the verge of joining Rangers and Josh Windass attracting increasing attention.
Owls’ Fire Sale Begins Amid Financial Turmoil
The Owls’ off-field struggles are beginning to take a heavy toll on their playing squad. With the club facing significant financial pressure, including unpaid wages and a transfer embargo, chairman Dejphon Chansiri has reportedly initiated a fire sale to raise much-needed funds. The result: the departure of their brightest talent and the growing risk of losing their most consistent goalscorer.
Djeidi Gassama is the first major name to go. The 21-year-old winger, one of Wednesday’s standout performers last season, is finalising a move to Scottish Premiership side Rangers. A four-year deal has been agreed, with reports suggesting a fee in the region of £2.5 million. Gassama, who had also been on Blackburn Rovers’ radar, is understood to be keen on the move, with personal terms described as a formality.
Meanwhile, Josh Windass—Wednesday’s top scorer of the century—is attracting strong interest from both sides of the border. Championship newcomers Wrexham are long-time admirers, but Rangers are now seriously considering a swoop to bring the 31-year-old back to Ibrox. Derby County, Coventry City, and Norwich City are also monitoring the situation, and there are suggestions that clubs in Germany are weighing up potential offers.
Windass signed a one-year extension this summer, but the Owls’ need to sell may override any plans to keep him at Hillsborough. With bids for the forward previously rejected during his time at the club, Wednesday now find themselves in a far weaker negotiating position.
Squad Stability Under Threat
The exodus is expected to continue, with several players understood to have served notice amid ongoing wage delays. The financial state of the club has left head coach Danny Röhl in a near-impossible position, unable to bring in replacements while key figures depart. Wednesday finished 20th in the Championship last season and, unless their situation stabilises, relegation fears will only grow.
Fans had hoped a summer takeover might offer salvation, and while Chansiri is believed to have signed an NDA and entered discussions, there has been little sign of imminent change. Instead, selling players appears to be the only way to cover immediate costs, including HMRC obligations and player salaries.
Writer’s View
The loss of Djeidi Gassama is a hammer blow, but the likely departure of Josh Windass would be catastrophic for Sheffield Wednesday’s prospects. While Gassama offered flair and potential, Windass has delivered time and again with goals and leadership.
Both exits speak to the harsh reality at Hillsborough—a club in survival mode off the pitch, and now increasingly vulnerable on it. Without swift resolution to their ownership and financial woes, Wednesday risk becoming a cautionary tale rather than a Championship contender.
