Derby County takeover: What is going on? | OneFootball

David Clowes has been looking to sell part of Derby County for over a year now, and FLW has taken a look at the current situation at Pride Park.

Ever since he completed his takeover of Derby County in July 2022, David Clowes has made no secret of his desire to find outside investment to help take the club forward.

Three-and-a-half years and a promotion later, the Rams sit in mid-table in the Championship. It's been an impressive rise up the EFL over the course of that time, with Clowes' rebuilding of the club still taking place, with survival in the second tier still target number one for this season.

Nevertheless, after a busy summer transfer window, which saw Derby spend nearly £6m on Patrick Agyemang alone, all eyes are on this winter with Oscar Fraulo already a new acquisition while reinforcements are needed with John Eustace's side struggling for consistency.

Yet, with The Telegraph revealing back in September 2024 that Clowes was looking for investors, the situation on the ground has seemingly gone quiet, and Football League World has taken a look at the latest news regarding a potential takeover of Derby.

Derby County takeover state of play

Clowes' time as owner of the Rams has been impressive, taking the club out of administration and back up to the Championship within two years. The decision to hire Eustace in February 2025 was savvy to say the least, as the former Blackburn Rovers boss guided the club to safety on the final day of last season.

However, it is clear that the team still needs to be improved upon, and that is where the question of investment comes. In the November and December 2025 Supporters' Board meeting, the local businessman made it clear that his target was the Premier League with Derby, and he is willing to help the club to that position, with or without outside help.

He also made sure to reaffirm his commitment to the club, with 'Integrity, Progress and Stability', the three stringent rules that he is following when looking for a potential investor.

Clowes is still looking for a majority investment, and he has stated that he will not hold up a takeover if he is not able to stay on as the chairman or as the majority shareholder. Any decision will be made with Derby County's 'best interests' at heart. Since promotion to the Championship, interest in the club has increased, and while talks are ongoing, nothing will be stated publicly until a deal is agreed.

David Clowes' spending as the owner of Derby County has been strong

Although the Rams have not been as free-spending as they were in the days of Mel Morris, there is no denying that the club have made a step-up in their on-field investment in the last few transfer windows.

The likes of Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, Lars-Jorgen Salvesen and Sondre Langas all arrived from Scandinavia in 2024/25 season, making a strong impact at the club. Meanwhile, smart signings such as Carlton Morris and Dion Sanderson have given the club experienced Championship professionals for limited fees.

Max Johnston, signed from Sturm Graz for a reported £3.5m in the summer transfer window, is further proof of Clowes' desire to flood Derby with young talent who will turn a profit in years to come. In Lewis Travis, Eustace gained a player whom he trusts and, once again, gives the East Midlands outfit an experienced leader.

Nonetheless, Derby supporters will be keen to see if a takeover can be completed before the summer, as the January transfer window begins to heat up.