Turki Alalshikh to invest in Derby County? Big Pride Park update emerges | OneFootball

Saudi government official Turki Alalshikh is in advanced talks over investing in Derby County.

Derby County have enjoyed a positive period since David Clowes rescued the club from administration in 2022.

The Rams had been left on the brink due to financial mismanagement under the previous regime, with points deductions contributing to their relegation to League One.

However, under local businessman Clowes, who is a lifelong fan of the club, they have started to climb back up the EFL, and they have just enjoyed a strong campaign under John Eustace, as they finished 8th in the Championship.

Whilst there was a disappointment that Derby missed out on the play-offs on the final day, it’s clear they are heading in the right direction under the current regime.

Turki Alalshikh in advanced talks over Derby County investment

Despite Clowes’ undoubted love for the club, he has made it clear in the past that he may not have the level of investment required to help Derby compete with some clubs at this level.

Yet, that may be about to change, as Telegraph reporter John Percy has revealed that Saudi businessman Turki Alalshikh is in ‘advanced talks’ over putting funds into the club.

It’s not clear what sort of deal this would be, as Clowes has previously confirmed he would want to stay on as chairman even if he sold a majority stake in the club. But, any deal would boost Derby’s budget going into a crucial summer window.

The update adds that discussions are seemingly progressing quickly, as the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) are now carrying out the ‘necessary checks’ before signing off on Alalshikh’s involvement with the Rams.

The Saudi government figure will be well-known to sports fans in the UK, as he has played a prominent role in boxing in recent years, with his financial backing putting on some of the biggest fights on the planet at different venues across the world.

Alalshikh has made no secret of the fact that he wanted to get involved in English football, and it had been claimed previously that he was keen to invest in Bristol City.

Derby County could be set for an exciting summer if Turki Alalshikh's investment arrives

This is exciting news for Derby fans from a football perspective, as Alalshikh has enormous wealth that could help transform the club.

Of course, the new squad cost ratio rules mean that the Rams won’t just be able to go out and sign whoever they want, but if Alalshikh does invest in the club, you would imagine it would seriously increase the budget that Eustace and the recruitment team are working with.

This would also be welcome from Clowes, because he has always maintained that he would seek fresh investment to help take Derby to the next level, and this could be the ideal time to get Alalshikh on board.

With the IFR now involved, it would suggest this is progressing well, and all connected to Derby will hope for some more clarity quickly ahead of the summer window.

So, it will be interesting to see how this plays out, and how Alalshikh will change Derby if his involvement is confirmed, as it could be transformative for the club in the years to come.