Derby takeover collapses as Alalshikh walks away

Derby County takeover collapses at the final hurdle

Derby confirmed on Monday that the deal, fronted by Alalshikh’s Lion Sport, would not go ahead and that the club is “now off the market”.

The purchase, understood by BBC Radio Derby to have been for a controlling stake, had already been sanctioned by the English Football League and the new Independent Football Regulator, leaving it seemingly on course for completion, according to BBC Sport.

Why the Derby deal fell through

In a statement posted on X, Alalshikh thanked those involved at the club but said the length of the regulatory process had left him no time to prepare for the campaign already under way.

“We understood that the IFR process takes time and fully respect the importance of that. But unfortunately with the season already started, it would leave us with no time to prepare the team or the club for the season ahead. After careful consideration, we don’t feel it is right to proceed at this time.”

- Alalshikh (@Turki_alalshikh)

Derby said they would “continue to operate under the loyal, committed and unwavering support of Clowes Developments”, the owners who steered the club out of administration.

Alalshikh, one of boxing’s most powerful promoters, indicated he would remain in contact and could revisit a move in future, the kind of ownership saga that has increasingly overshadowed the summer transfer window.