Turki Alalshikh in 'advanced negotiations' for investment in English club

Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh has entered advanced talks over an investment deal in a major English club.

Ever since Alalshikh first arrived into the sporting world as a major driving force in boxing, the Saudi Arabian government official has been strongly linked with various football clubs.

Last year, the Saudi boxing chief was reported to have held talks with championship side Bristol City over a potential investment, with Bristol City CEO Tom Rawcliffe confirming the negotiations.

However, Alalshikh later spoke out to rubbish those claims, putting to bed any rumours that he would be investing in the The Robins.

But now, less than a year later it appears he is finally preparing to make a major move into football as he's reported to be in advanced talks over an investment deal with another championship club.

As reported by The Telegraph, Derby County have held detailed talks with the Saudi Arabian sports promoter and are simply waiting on the green light from authorities to proceed with a deal.

The report claims that Alalshikh has been in dialogue with David Clowes, Derby’s owner, over financial assistance as The Rams look to boost their spending power ahead of next season.

But, ahead of the deal progressing, the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has to carry out the necessary checks before potentially ahead of giving Clowes the permission to agree a deal, a process which is now underway.

The role of the IFR, which was established in July 2025, is to protect and promote the sustainability of English football.

A further report from The Times added that, in order for the IFR to approve the deal, Alalshikh would have to demonstrate that his funding was coming separate to the Public Investment Fund, which owns Newcastle United.

The report adds that the Saudi official has also been spotted followed a number of social media accounts linked with Derby County recently.

As it stands, it is not known the exact nature of Alalshikh's proposed investment, but he has previously owned Egyptian football club Pyramids and UD Almeria in Spain.

It has previously been reported that Clowes had been open to selling up to 80 per cent of his shareholding, but would only do so if he were to remain as the club's chairman.

Derby are currently managed by former player John Eustace and finished eighth in the Championship table this season, four points off a spot in the play-offs.