Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit reacts to "really exciting" Millwall FC takeover news involving Turki Alalshikh | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively with FLW, Lee Hendrie has been discussing the news of a potential takeover of Millwall by Turki Alalshikh.

Saudi Arabian billionaire Turki Alalshikh has reportedly held talks over a potential takeover of Championship side Millwall.

It was revealed by the MailOnline on 22 May that Alalshikh, chairman of Saudia Arabia's general entertainment authority and the face of the nation's boxing revolution in recent years, has held discussions over the possibility of purchasing the football club.

The 43-year-old is understood to have been approached by numerous clubs in English football over the past few months to gauge his interest in a takeover.

However, despite Millwall insisting that the club is not for sale, Alalshikh has fanned the flames of a potential Lions takeover after engaging with the club on social media.

"I really feel that" - Lee Hendrie makes claim on Turki Alalshikh's potential Millwall takeover

Speaking exclusively with Football League World, we asked Sky Sports pundit and former player, Lee Hendrie: 'Saudi billionaire Turki Alalshikh has held talks regarding a potential takeover of Millwall FC. He's worth over £2billion. Exciting news for Lions fans in your eyes?'

Hendrie said: "I think it's really exciting news for anyone who's coming in with that sort of backing and background.

"Millwall, I really feel that they've been close over past seasons, even under Gary Rowett - he took them as far as he could.

"This season, again, Alex Neil; I think if they got some backing and got the resources and funds to go and have a bit more of a go, I think we would see a different Millwall team, I really do.

"Millwall will always be Millwall, as in the way the set-up, the way they play. I think if they have that little bit of a backing to obviously give them more budget to go and push for that play-off spot, that would be absolutely brilliant.

"So, I think exciting news all-round for Millwall fans and the football club if that is to take place, because someone who's going to come in and hopefully invest and give the club a step up or two on the ladder, it gives them every chance.

"So yes, exciting news."

As Hendrie rightly points out, Millwall have indeed gone close to contending for Premier League promotion in recent years.

Indeed, the Lions have registered three eighth-placed finishes over their last six Championship campaigns, with 13th in 2023/24 being their lowest finish since the 19/20 season.

Therefore, the evidence is there that this is a football club that is on the verge of being a true promotion contender, but perhaps just needs that last little nudge from somewhere to help get them over the line.

That could well come from Alalshikh, as his vast fortune would surely hand Millwall their biggest transfer war chest and give them the largest spending power in the club's history.

A fascinating summer could well be in store at The Den, as judging by his social media interactions with the club, Alalshikh certainly appears to have taken an interest in Millwall.

So, should he table an offer for the club, it remains to be seen just how much the club's owners could be tempted by a potential big-money sale, or whether the club is indeed categorically not on the market.