Turki Alalshikh's Net Worth Compared to Rivals amid Man Utd Takeover Rumours

Turki Alalshikh's net worth is modest compared with Manchester United's rivals as speculation mounts over a possible takeover.

In February 2024, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS assumed control of Manchester United's football operations, purchasing a 27.7% stake in the club.

While the hugely unpopular Glazer family remain majority owners, their involvement with the day to day running of the club has significantly reduced. Despite United's struggles on the pitch, Ratcliffe recently reaffirmed his commitment to the club in an interview with The Times.

However, Manchester United fans were left stunned on Wednesday night by fresh rumours suggesting the club could soon receive new investment. On X, Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, wrote: "The best news I heard today is that Manchester United is now in an advanced stage of completing a deal to sell to a new investor.

"I hope he’s better than the previous owners."

The cryptic message sparked speculation over what it could mean for the future of Manchester United. Alalshikh himself has an estimated net worth of $2.8 billion, meaning any potential bid for the club would likely require backing from a consortium.

Jim Ratcliffe and Manchester United. Image: Ash Donelon / Contributor via Getty

How much are the Premier League's big six owners worth?

Manchester United's 'big six' rivals are all backed by wealthier individuals than Alalshikh. Manchester City are owned by the City Football Group, of which Sheikh Mansour is the majority owner.

Mansour's net worth is an estimated £20 billion, and he has been a driving force behind City's recent success.

Arsenal are owned by American real estate magnate Stan Kroenke, who has a net worth of £18bn. Chelsea were taken over by BlueCo, an American-backed consortium, with Todd Boehly worth £8.9bn.

Tottenham Hotspur are controlled by ENIC, with Joe Lewis as the principal shareholder and a net worth exceeding £5bn.

Liverpool are owned by Fenway Sports Group, with John Henry, worth around £4bn, as the principal owner.

There have been protests against the Glazers. Image: Matt McNulty / Stringer via Getty

What do Manchester United fans think of a potential takeover?

Although INEOS have been in charge of football operations for less than two years, their tenure has been mixed.

The football team has hugely under-performed, while decision such as ticket price rises and staff redundancies have drawn criticism.

But for many fans INEOS' involvement is still preferable to the reported interest from Qatar's Sheikh Jassim at the time.

Mark Goldbridge, who hosts The United Stand fan channel, reminded supporters of this on social media.

On X, Goldbridge wrote: "Lots of fans wanted Sir Jim over State ownership. Be funny if Sir Jim goes and gets state investment."