Will Turki Al-Sheikh seal a Derby County takeover?

Derby County narrowly missed out on a play-off place in the previous season. John Eustace’s side finished eighth in the Championship table, four points adrift of the top six, with Hull City in sixth going on to win promotion to the Premier League. The Rams will be keen to secure another top eight finish in 2026/27, with the play-offs expanding to include two extra teams. The Derbyshire outfit have already made a big splash in the transfer window this summer, with Bobby Clark joining on a permanent basis after spending last season on loan at Pride Park. But behind the scenes, Derby have also been linked with a possible takeover led by Saudi Arabian Turki Alashikh. Here we look at all whether the Championship side really will be the subject of a takeover by the 44-year-old... Turki Alalshikh’s interest in Derby County It was reported earlier this summer that the club had discussed potential investment into the Championship when discussing with the Supporters’ Board. The Telegraph first wrote in late May that detailed talks had been held between the boxing promoter and Derby. The Saudi Arabian was named one of the interested parties, as he considers an investment into English football. It’s been claimed that the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) are aware of his interest in the Rams, indicating that he is serious about potentially taking over at Pride Park, or at least becoming a minority stakeholder. Is David Clowes the man to bring Derby County forward, or is investment needed from elsewhere? Comment your opinion below However, there has been a lack of progress on any possible deal with the current owner David Clowes since this first emerged at the start of June. Alalshikh has been linked with potentially taking over the likes of Bristol City in the past, but nothing has come to fruition. Turki Alalshikh talk has gone quiet at Derby County It has been nearly two months since Alalshikh was first linked with the possible takeover of Derby, and things have gone quite quiet in the last few weeks. Perhaps discussions are still ongoing behind the scenes, but if that were the case then some details emerging would be expected. While it’s too early to say that any takeover is currently off the table, it’s clear that Derby are progressing as if Clowes is still in charge for the time being. It’s believed that the current owner would like to remain in charge as chairman, which suggests that he would also retain a stake in the club. The 44-year-old opened up on his health issues last month, which could have an impact on any possible deal to buy the Championship side. Alalshikh confirmed that he has been battling cancer since 2015, and that he has been diagnosed with a brain tumour. While he has made a name for himself in the boxing world, it’s clear that he has an interest in getting involved in football as well. But it remains to be seen whether he will take that interest any further at this stage, as he continues to battle with health issues. For now, Derby remain under the control of Clowes, with the Rams’ season starting on 15 August with a trip to face Charlton Athletic.