John Eustace drops new Derby County transfer update | OneFootball

Derby County are currently the subject of takeover speculation from Turki Alalshikh

Derby County are the subject of a potential takeover led by Turki Alalshikh as the new Championship season draws closer.

The Rams finished eighth in the Championship last season, four points adrift of the play-offs, and they will be targeting a promotion push in 2026/27.

The play-offs is expanding to include two more teams, giving the club an even greater chance at competing for a place in the Premier League.

John Eustace has been keen to bolster his first team squad this summer, with three signings already completed with four weeks remaining in the transfer market.

But there is now uncertainty over the ownership situation at Pride Park, with Alalshikh reportedly in talks to invest in the side.

It remains to be seen whether a deal will be agreed with owner David Clowes, or what impact negotiations will have on Derby’s current plans in the summer window.

John Eustace gives Derby transfer update amid takeover talks

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Eustace has claimed that he wants more signings completed before the 1 September deadline, regardless of what is going on with the takeover situation.

The 46-year-old has dismissed the takeover talks, suggesting that there have been rumours of a new owner on multiple occasions during his time as head coach, and that his focus is on preparing for the new season.

"I spoke to the club and they've mentioned there is a takeover but I think there's been about three takeovers since I've been here and it was the same at previous clubs as well," said Eustace, via the BBC.

"It is obviously a difficult time with things going on off the pitch at the moment with potential takeovers and whatnot and I get that, but we are two weeks away from the big kick-off and I want to bring in as many quality players as I can."

Clowes became Derby owner in the summer of 2022, taking the club out of administration after significant financial issues.

The previous owner Mel Morris oversaw a difficult period that ultimately put the Rams’ future in doubt.

Clowes took over following Derby’s relegation to League One, but the team have since returned to the top half of the Championship in the years since.

But it remains to be seen whether an agreement will be reached between the local businessman and Alalshikh to complete a fresh takeover.

Derby County’s summer signings

Derby’s first move in the transfer window was to complete the signing of Bobby Clark on a permanent basis.

The midfielder spent last season on loan from RB Salzburg, where he cemented himself as a core part of Eustace’s side.

The Rams have also signed Filip Bilbija and Charlie Taylor, with the pair both arriving as free agents.

Derby will return to league action on 15 August with a clash against Charlton Athletic, and Eustace will be hoping for further signings between now and then.

Takeover talks could impact Derby’s spending power

If Clowes is in talks to sell most or all of his stake in Derby, then he’s unlikely to want to sanction any further transfer business.

And it is unclear what level of investment Alalshikh will want to put into the club, if a deal does go through.

It puts Eustace in a difficult position as the timing couldn’t be much worse in terms of it impacting their transfer plans.

Eustace wants to strengthen the team, but it is questionable whether he will be offered the resources to do that between now and the 1 September deadline.