Turki Alalshikh, the influential Saudi government adviser who has become one of the most powerful figures in global boxing through Riyadh Season, major heavyweight fight promotions and his close involvement with Saudi Arabia’s expanding sports investments — is reportedly closing in on a potential investment agreement with Derby County as the Championship side continues exploring ways to strengthen its long-term financial position ahead of next season.Alalshikh currently serves as chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and has played a central role in Saudi-backed boxing events involving fighters such as Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua and Canelo Alvarez. He also co-founded Zuffa Boxing alongside UFC president Dana White and previously owned football clubs including Pyramids FC and UD AlmeriaAccording to The Telegraph, detailed talks have already taken place between Alalshikh and Derby owner David Clowes regarding financial assistance for Derby County, who currently play in the EFL Championship, the second tier of English football, with the club now waiting for regulatory clearance before any agreement can move further. The discussions could eventually bring one of the most influential figures in global boxing into English football after years of speculation surrounding Alalshikh’s sporting ambitions outside Saudi Arabia.
Regulatory approval could become one of the Independent Football Regulator ’s earliest major tests
Before any proposed investment can proceed, the Independent Football Regulator is understood to be carrying out the required checks connected to the deal. The IFR, established in July 2025 to oversee the sustainability and governance of English football, is now being placed under close attention as Derby’s situation develops. A separate report from The Times stated that Alalshikh would likely need to prove any funding attached to the investment is independent from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which already owns Newcastle United. The same report also noted that Alalshikh had recently followed several Derby County-related social media accounts, adding further intrigue around the negotiations. At this stage, the exact structure of the proposed investment remains unclear, although Clowes has previously been open to selling up to 80 per cent of his shareholding while still remaining chairman of the club.
Derby County have spent years rebuilding after one of the darkest periods in their modern history
Clowes completed his takeover of Derby in June 2022 after reportedly spending around £55 million to rescue the club from administration and prevent liquidation. Since then, Derby have steadily attempted to rebuild both competitively and financially following a chaotic period that nearly pushed one of England’s historic clubs out of existence. Managed by former player John Eustace, Derby narrowly missed the Championship play-off places this season after finishing eighth, only four points short of the top six. The club’s recent struggles came after years of instability that also defined Wayne Rooney’s spell at Pride Park. Rooney initially arrived from D.C. United in January 2020 as a player-coach before later becoming permanent manager in 2021. Despite being handed a devastating 21-point deduction during the 2021-22 campaign after Derby entered administration, Rooney continued fighting to keep the club in the Championship and earned widespread admiration for keeping the squad competitive under extreme financial restrictions. Without the points deduction, Derby would have finished comfortably clear of relegation that season. Rooney eventually resigned in June 2022, explaining the club needed “fresh energy” ahead of its transition into a new ownership era under Clowes.
Derby County remain one of England’s most historic football institutions
Although Derby currently compete in the Championship, the club remains part of a small group of English sides to have won the country’s top-flight title. The Rams experienced the greatest period in their history during the 1970s under legendary managers Brian Clough and Dave Mackay. During that era, Derby won First Division titles in 1972 and 1975 while also reaching the European Cup semi-finals in 1973. The club’s famous 1946 FA Cup triumph also remains one of the defining achievements in Derby County history. Alalshikh, meanwhile, already carries experience in football ownership after previous involvement with Egyptian side Pyramids FC and Spanish club UD Almeria. Last year, he was also linked with a potential investment in Bristol City before later publicly dismissing the speculation.
