Turki Alalshikh is an influential Saudi government adviser who has become one of the most powerful figures in global boxing through his Riyadh season, major heavyweight boxing promotions and his close involvement in Saudi Arabia’s expanding sports investments. He is reportedly close to agreeing a potential investment deal with Derby County as the Championship side continue to explore ways to strengthen its long-term financial position ahead of next season.Al-Alasheh currently serves as chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and plays a central role in Saudi-backed boxing events that include the likes of Tyson Fury, Alexander Usyk, Anthony Joshua and Canelo Alvarez. He also co-founded Zuffa Boxing with UFC president Dana White and has owned football clubs such as Pyramids FC and UD Almeriaaccording to telegraphDetailed talks have taken place between Alash and Derby boss David Close over a financial offer for Derby, who compete in the EFL Championship, England’s second tier of football, with the club currently awaiting regulatory approval before any deal can be taken further. After years of speculation surrounding Arasheh’s sporting ambitions outside of Saudi Arabia, the discussions could finally bring one of the most influential figures in global boxing into British football.
Regulatory approval could be one of them independent football regulatory body earliest major tests
Before any proposed investment takes place, the independent football regulator will carry out the necessary checks relating to the transaction. The IFR was established in July 2025 to oversee the sustainability and governance of English football and is now being closely watched as the situation at Derby develops. A separate report comes from the times Al-Alasheh may need to prove that any money attached to the investment is independent of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which already owns Newcastle United. The same report also states that Arasheh has recently followed several social media accounts linked to Derby County, further adding to the intrigue surrounding the negotiations. The exact structure of the proposed investment remains unclear at this stage, although Kroos has previously been willing to sell up to 80% of his stake while remaining chairman of the club.
Derby County spent years rebuilding after enduring one of the darkest periods in modern history
Krause reportedly spent around £55 million to rescue the club from administration and prevent liquidation, completing the takeover of Derby County in June 2022. Since then, Derby County have been steadily trying to rebuild competitively and financially after a tumultuous period that nearly bankrupted one of England’s oldest clubs. Derby County, led by former player John Eustace, finished eighth, just four points behind the top six, narrowly missing out on a Championship play-off spot this season. The club’s latest woes come after years of inconsistency that also defined Wayne Rooney’s performances at Pride Park. Rooney originally joined from D.C. United in January 2020 as player-coach and later became the official head coach in 2021. Despite being docked 21 points in the 2021-22 season after Derby County went into administration, Rooney has continued to fight for the club to retain the Championship and has won widespread admiration for keeping the team competitive despite extreme financial constraints. Without the points deduction, Derby County would have been easily relegated that season. Rooney eventually resigned in June 2022, explaining that the club needed “fresh energy” before entering a new era of ownership under Kroos.
Derby County remains one of England’s oldest football institutions
Although Derby County are currently competing in the Championship, the club remains one of the few English teams to have won the country’s top flight. In the 1970s, under legendary coaches Brian Clough and Dave Mackay, the Rams experienced their greatest period in history. During that period, Derby County won the First Division title in 1972 and 1975 and reached the European Cup semi-finals in 1973. The club’s famous 1946 FA Cup victory remains one of the defining achievements in Derby County’s history. Arasheh, meanwhile, already has experience in football ownership having previously played for Egyptian side Pyramid FC and Spanish club Almeria FC. He was also linked with a potential investment from Bristol City last year but later publicly denied the speculation.
