Turki Alalshikh is in “advanced talks” to invest in an English football club.
Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh is in advanced talks to invest in a big English football club. Since he stepped into the sports world through boxing, this Saudi official has often been linked with football clubs.
Last year, he was said to be discussing a possible investment with Bristol City, and their CEO Tom Rawcliffe confirmed these talks. But Alalshikh later denied those rumors, making it clear he wasn’t planning to invest in The Robins.
Now, less than a year later, it looks like he’s ready to make a big move into football. Reports say he’s in serious talks with another Championship club, Derby County. According to The Telegraph, Derby’s owner, David Clowes, has been talking with Alalshikh about financial help as the club aims to strengthen for next season.
Before the deal can move forward, the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) needs to do its checks and give approval. The IFR, set up in July 2025, ensures the safety and fairness of English football. The Times also added that Alalshikh would need to prove his money is separate from the Public Investment Fund, which owns Newcastle United.
Interestingly, Alalshikh has recently followed some Derby County accounts on social media. We don’t know exactly how much he plans to invest, but he’s no stranger to football ownership, having owned Egyptian club Pyramids and Spanish side UD Almeria before.
Clowes has said he might sell up to 80% of the club but wants to stay on as chairman. Currently, Derby is managed by former player John Eustace and ended the season eighth in the Championship, just four points shy of the play-offs.