Derby County release statement as new takeover twist unfolds | OneFootball

Derby County have issued an update regarding the takeover talks

Derby County have confirmed that the club is now off the market after talks with the group led by Turki Alalshikh have collapsed.

The Rams have released a statement to confirm that discussions over a potential takeover are no longer proceeding.

It was reported last month that the Saudi Arabian was in talks regarding possible investment in the Championship side.

However, that will no longer be taking place, with David Clowes remaining in charge for the foreseeable future.

The local businessman took over at Pride Park in the summer of 2022, taking the club out of administration after the ownership of Mel Morris.

And in his time in charge, Derby have earned promotion to the Championship and recently earned an eighth place finish in the second division.

Derby confirm takeover update

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Derby have released a statement to confirm that talks were underway regarding a potential takeover, but they have led to the group Lion Sport walking away from a possible deal.

The Championship club have revealed that they had the approval of both the EFL and the Independent Football Regulator, indicating a takeover was close, but that Lion Sport will no longer be proceeding with any deal.

“The club can confirm discussions with Lion Sport to buy a controlling interest in Derby County will no longer proceed,” wrote Derby, via their X account.

“The purchase process had been sanctioned by both the Independent Football Regulator and the EFL, notification of which the club received last week.

“However, today the club received notice that Lion Sport no longer wanted to continue with the purchase.

“For the benefit of any doubt, the club is now off the market and will continue to operate under the loyal, committed and unwavering support of Clowes Developments.

“Our preparations continue for the new EFL season, beginning against Charlton Athletic on Saturday.

“The club will offer no further comment.”

Derby have confirmed the signings of Bobby Clark, Filip Bilbija and Charlie Taylor so far this summer, as John Eustace looks to build a team capable of fighting for promotion.

Clark has signed on a permanent basis after spending last season on loan at Pride Park from RB Salzburg, where he established himself as a key part of the squad.

The Rams’ attention will now turn to the final three weeks of the transfer window following the collapse of these takeover talks.

Derby have until 1 September to complete any remaining business before the market shuts for the rest of the calendar year.

How Derby County fans feel about takeover collapse

Derby fans have claimed they are fully behind Clowes now following his commitment to the future of the club.

While some supporters are unsure about what the future would’ve looked like under new ownership, they are willing to now get behind the current owner ahead of the new season.

The 57-year-old has earned the backing of a large section of the fan base for his role in turning things around in the aftermath of their administration.

However, not every fan is happy with this announcement, as a lot of excitement had built up regarding the prospect of new owners.

Derby begin their league campaign on Saturday with a trip to face Charlton Athletic.

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Derby are better off under David Clowes

Derby have built a sustainable club under Clowes, and have taken great strides forward in just a short span of time.

While he may not have the resources of other owners in the division, the club cannot forget the low point of administration and the threat to the Rams’ future that caused.

Staying under the current owner is the best path forward for now, as Clowes is committed to bringing the team forward in a sustainable manner.

There are no guarantees things would’ve improved under Alalshikh and Lion Sport, as that group have no experience of football ownership, and it was always unclear how committed they’d be to Derby long-term.