Sheffield United entered a new era in December 2024 when US-based COH Sports completed its purchase of the historic Yorkshire club. The £100 million takeover ended years of uncertainty under previous owner Prince Abdullah. But the new ownership has not been without controversy. In 2026, the Blades find themselves at the centre of a bitter legal battle. Court papers have revealed a story “fitting of a big-budget television drama” [citation:1]. This guide covers everything about the Sheffield United takeover, the fraud lawsuit, the owners, and Chris Wilder’s return.
Who Bought Sheffield United? COH Sports Explained
COH Sports is an American investment group led by Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy. The pair became the club’s co-chairmen after completing the purchase in late December 2024 [citation:1]. Rosen is a private equity investor. Eltoukhy is a scientist and healthcare businessman [citation:5].
The takeover ended Prince Abdullah’s ownership of the Blades. The Saudi owner had been looking to sell since 2022. The deal was reportedly worth around £100 million [citation:1]. The Samsung Galaxy S25 may be new tech, but the Blades have completely new owners too.
The Legal Battle: Tom Page Sues COH Sports for Fraud
A major legal dispute has erupted behind the scenes. English-born investor Tom Page has filed a lawsuit against Rosen and Eltoukhy in Delaware Chancery Court. Page claims he was instrumental in setting up the takeover before being cut out of the final deal [citation:1][citation:5].
According to court papers, Page met Rosen at a private tennis event in the Hamptons, New York. He introduced Rosen to Eltoukhy in 2023. The three men worked together to identify Sheffield United as a target investment. Page claims that Rosen and Eltoukhy then formed a different company, “COH Sports United LLC”, without including him [citation:1][citation:5].
The legal claim states the purpose of the name change was “so that when it came time to sign contracts, the formation of this different entity would not be noticed by the Prince or the EFL or others reading media reports about the takeover group” [citation:1].
Page is seeking damages, legal costs, and a judgment that COH Sports is the “rightful owner” of the club [citation:1]. For their part, COH Sports has called the complaint “entirely without merit” and is seeking to have the case dismissed [citation:5].
The Origins: How the Takeover Began
The genesis of the takeover started in exclusive private clubs in the Hamptons, New York. Page had been looking at English football clubs since 2021 as an investment opportunity [citation:1]. His focus was on smaller clubs struggling financially. The plan was to find a club with the potential to unlock lucrative Premier League broadcasting money [citation:1].
In late 2022, one of Page’s contacts at Deloitte introduced him to Prince Abdullah, who was open to selling the club. Soon after, Sheffield United became the target. The club had an “untapped” women’s team with potential and a hotel next to Bramall Lane [citation:1]. Page then contacted Rosen and Eltoukhy [citation:5]. Heads of State features political scheming, but the Blades’ boardroom battle is playing out in real life.
The Fallout: Page vs Rosen
The court papers claim a fallout occurred between Page and Rosen towards the start of the 2024-25 season. The takeover was yet to be completed. “Rosen expressed his disapproval of Page and his direct manner of negotiating,” according to the papers [citation:1].
During a call on 21 September, “Rosen yelled and condescended to Page, claiming Page needed to go on an apology tour to address various imagined infractions” [citation:1]. The papers also record an email from Page to Rosen stating: “This football thing is that hard and you’ve disrespected the work I have put in a massive way” [citation:5].
Four Directors Resign from Sheffield United Board
In March 2026, four directors resigned from Sheffield United’s board. Those who stepped down include Joe Russo, the Marvel film director behind Avengers: Endgame, along with Terrance Ahern, Leonard Komoroski and Pejman Nowzad [citation:1]. The resignations added to the sense of instability behind the scenes at Bramall Lane.
Chief executive Stephen Bettis was also removed as a director of COH Sports Bidco. However, sources at Bramall Lane described the situation as “housekeeping” and insisted it is “business as usual” [citation:3][citation:7]. Bettis remains on the board of the football club and continues as CEO [citation:3].
Chris Wilder: From Sack to Rescue Mission
One of the new owners’ first major decisions was to part ways with club legend Chris Wilder. The decision came after Sheffield United lost to Sunderland in the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium [citation:2].
Wilder was in his second spell at the Yorkshire club. He had led the team to promotion in his first stint from 2016-21. “A Blade through and through, the legacy Chris and his staff have created here will never be forgotten,” Sheffield United said in a statement [citation:2].
The club installed Ruben Selles as Wilder’s replacement. However, his tenure was a disaster. He oversaw only five league games, losing all of them, before being dismissed [citation:2]. Wilder returned to Bramall Lane and has since overseen a turnaround. The Blades now sit 15th in the Championship, 10 points clear of the drop zone [citation:2].
The BBC’s Sheffield reporter Adam Oxley wrote: “Wilder has earned the right to go again” [citation:9]. His contract runs until 2027. He now faces what he calls the biggest challenge of his decade-long association with the club [citation:9].
Summer Rebuild: 15 to 20 Players Could Leave
Chris Wilder is planning a major squad overhaul this summer. He told the Yorkshire Post: “There’s going to be six players going back, loans. Contracts won’t get renewed. There’ll be some players that need to go out on loan… There’s potentially going to be 15 to 20 players leave the club” [citation:6].
Wilder wants to bring in experienced players. “We don’t need any more young players,” he said. “We’ve got five young players which we’ve developed ourselves. Knowing your way around a football pitch and around the division is hugely important” [citation:6].
Wilder has also expressed a desire to bring Kalvin Phillips back on loan. The former Leeds midfielder has struggled with injuries but remains on Wilder’s wishlist [citation:6].
What About Sheffield Wednesday?
While Sheffield United have US owners, Sheffield Wednesday have also been through a takeover process. Arise Capital Partners, fronted by US businessman David Storch, completed the purchase of the Owls in May 2026 [citation:4].
The acquisition ended the controversial reign of former owner Dejphon Chansiri. Storch was introduced to a rapturous welcome from fans. “Sheffield Wednesday deserves stability, ambition and a clear direction. That is what we are here to deliver,” Storch said [citation:4].
“Today, this club is reborn,” he added [citation:4]. With the takeover completed, a 15-point deduction that would have started next season was no longer issued by the English Football League [citation:4].
Why Sheffield United Takeover Is Trending in 2026
The Sheffield United takeover continues to generate interest for several reasons. The legal battle between Tom Page and COH Sports has exposed the drama behind football takeovers [citation:1]. The appointment and quick dismissal of Ruben Selles raised questions about the owners’ decision-making [citation:2]. The connection to the Sheffield Wednesday takeover adds a local rivalry element. The return of Chris Wilder has brought stability on the pitch, even as questions remain off it.
Sheffield United may have new owners, but the drama at Bramall Lane is far from over.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who bought Sheffield United?
US-based COH Sports, led by Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy, completed the purchase in December 2024. The deal was worth approximately £100 million [citation:1][citation:5].
Why is Tom Page suing COH Sports?
Page claims he was instrumental in setting up the takeover before being cut out of the final deal. He is suing for “fraud” in Delaware Chancery Court [citation:1].
Who manages Sheffield United now?
Chris Wilder returned as manager after the brief and unsuccessful tenure of Ruben Selles [citation:2].
What happened to Sheffield Wednesday’s takeover?
Arise Capital Partners, led by David Storch, completed the purchase in May 2026 [citation:4].
How many players could leave Sheffield United this summer?
Chris Wilder has said 15 to 20 players could leave the club as part of a major squad rebuild [citation:6].
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