Major football clubs focused on English Football League (EFL) eye prospective signings of two rising stars from Manchester United, following the suspension of their transfer ban.

Sheffield Wednesday's Financial Struggles Continue Amid Transfer Embargo

Sheffield Wednesday's financial woes have persisted, with the club facing a transfer fee restriction until the winter window of the 2026/27 season. This restriction means they cannot pay any transfer or loan fees for players until after that point, but can sign free agents or loan players without fees [1][4][5].

The club's transfer embargo was partially lifted in early August 2025 after they settled outstanding debts to players, staff, and other clubs, primarily enabled by a Premier League solidarity payment rather than club revenue or owner Dejphon Chansiri's funds [1][3][4]. However, the ongoing cashflow issues have caused unrest among players and fears of boycotting matches, though legal advice deterred such action as it could breach contracts [1].

The EFL has called for owner Dejphon Chansiri to either fund the club fully or sell it to a well-funded party to ensure stability and competitiveness going forward [1]. The club has seen several departures due to financial instability, leaving manager Henrik Pedersen with a thin squad. Despite the challenges, Pedersen is looking to make some summer signings, such as former Leeds defender Liam Cooper and possibly Manchester United’s Harry Amass and Toby Collyer [2][5].

The departure of Danny Rohl, the former manager, last month is seen as a product of mismanagement at the top of the club under owner Dejphon Chansiri. Rohl left by mutual consent, with concerns about the club's asset management, with players leaving for undervalue or contracts being cancelled with offers refused [2].

The current plight of Sheffield Wednesday means they can only make loan signings without transfer fees under the EFL's Club Financial Reporting Unit. The team's captain, Barry Bannan, has praised the team's professionalism during the ongoing financial struggles, with the players working hard and keeping themselves fit despite the uncertainty [2].

In addition to the transfer restrictions, Sheffield Wednesday have been hit with a third transfer embargo by the EFL in July [2]. The team pulled out of a pre-season friendly game against Burnley last weekend due to the repeated financial issues [2]. US businessman John Textor has recently registered his interest in buying Sheffield Wednesday, which could potentially bring a solution to the club's financial troubles [3].

Alan Biggs, talkSPORT's Sheffield correspondent, has criticized the club's management for the chaotic situation and total mismanagement [3]. Biggs considers the current situation at Sheffield Wednesday a disgrace to football and believes that football's inability to act is outrageous [3]. Despite the challenges, Sheffield Wednesday's players, led by captain Barry Bannan, continue to show resilience and professionalism in the face of adversity.

References: [1] BBC News (2025). Sheffield Wednesday's transfer embargo lifted after settling debts. BBC Sport. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58634711 [2] The Athletic (2025). Sheffield Wednesday pull out of Burnley friendly due to financial issues. The Athletic. Retrieved from https://theathletic.com/2609045/2025/07/15/sheffield-wednesday-pull-out-of-burnley-friendly-due-to-financial-issues [3] talkSPORT (2025). Sheffield Wednesday's financial situation is a disgrace, says Alan Biggs. talkSPORT. Retrieved from https://www.talksport.com/football/news/1387127/sheffield-wednesdays-financial-situation-is-a-disgrace-says-alan-biggs/ [4] Sheffield Wednesday Official Statement (2025). Sheffield Wednesday statement on transfer embargo. Sheffield Wednesday FC. Retrieved from https://www.swfc.co.uk/news/2025/08/sheffield-wednesday-statement-on-transfer-embargo [5] Sheffield Wednesday Transfer News (2025). Sheffield Wednesday eyeing moves for Harry Amass and Toby Collyer. Sheffield Wednesday Transfer News. Retrieved from https://www.sheffieldwednesdaytransfernews.com/2025/07/sheffield-wednesday-eyeing-moves-for-harry-amass-and-toby-collyer/

Despite the ongoing transfer embargo, Sheffield Wednesday's manager Henrik Pedersen is actively seeking loan signings to strengthen the team, such as former Leeds defender Liam Cooper.
The ongoing financial struggles at Sheffield Wednesday have caused unrest among players, with fears of boycotting matches, though legal advice has deterred such action as it could breach contracts.
In addition to the transfer restrictions, Sheffield Wednesday has faced a third transfer embargo by the EFL, which led to the team pulling out of a pre-season friendly game against Burnley last weekend due to the repeated financial issues.

Major football clubs focused on English Football League (EFL) eye prospective signings of two rising stars from Manchester United, following the suspension of their transfer ban.