Exclusive: Sheffield Wednesday eye Portsmouth raid in bold David Storch takeover strategy

Sheffield Wednesday are edging closer to completing David Storch’s takeover of the club, and attention has already turned to appointing a new sporting director as part of a major rebuild, sources have revealed.

The Owls have endured a miserable 2025–26 Championship campaign and risk finishing with a points deficit if they fail to beat West Bromwich Albion at Hillsborough. Their struggles stem largely from the financial fallout under former owner Dejphon Chansiri.

Despite that, there is expected to be a celebratory mood around the club this weekend, with Storch, his family member Michael, and business partner Tom Costin all due to attend the final game of the season.

Storch faces a significant challenge to restore Wednesday to the Championship, particularly with a looming 15-point deduction set for the 2026–27 League One season.

The penalty follows unresolved financial issues linked to Chansiri. Nevertheless, the incoming owner is keen to overhaul both the club’s structure behind the scenes and modernise its day-to-day operations.

One of the key priorities is the introduction of a sporting director role. While former Arsenal scout James Ellis had initially been considered, he now appears likely to join Bristol City instead.

As a result, Wednesday’s new ownership group have turned their attention to Richard Hughes, who is currently at Portsmouth FC. Hughes, 37, has been with Pompey since 2022 and previously worked at Forest Green Rovers, where he progressed from head of scouting to sporting director.

Working alongside manager John Mousinho, Hughes has played a major role in guiding Portsmouth back to the Championship. His background also includes scouting and analysis roles with Everton, Wigan Athletic, Burnley, Tamworth, Macclesfield Town and Stoke City.

Having grown up in Staffordshire, a move north could appeal if Wednesday formalise their interest. Hughes has been influential in recruitment at Fratton Park, helping bring in players such as Terry Devlin, Callum Lang, Josh Murphy and Regan Poole.

Although he is approaching four years at Portsmouth, Sheffield Wednesday may attempt to lure him away before that milestone, even if it involves stepping down a division.