Saudi billionaire made Man United takeover claim before talks over deal for club

Alalshikh, 44, called it "the best news" he heard that day, before adding: "I hope he's better than the previous owners." The billionaire clarified a day later: "I am not the investor, nor are they from my nation.

"I'm posting this as a fan who wishes the deal to happen, though it might not necessarily happen." He described the "potential sale" as an "advanced negotiation phase with a new investor".

The Telegraph now reports that Derby have conducted extensive discussions with Alalshikh about potentially backing the Championship side. However, the publication notes that the extent of the Saudi billionaire's involvement remains uncertain.

The Independent Football Regulator is said to be conducting due diligence on the Saudi government official before approving any transaction. Alalshikh holds a ministerial position advising the Royal Court and heads the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), which oversees the nation's entertainment industry.

CEO Today outlined in a profile published last year that his wealth exceeded £2billion as of 2024. However, it seems unlikely that he would assume a comparable position to the one he currently holds at the GEA.

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Clowes is understood to plan to remain Derby chairman under any arrangement, even if he no longer holds a majority shareholding in the club. Alalshikh previously owned Egyptian Premier League club Pyramids and only relinquished Spanish second-tier outfit Almeria last summer after six years at the helm.

Months after that sale, Alalshikh dismissed reports connecting him with Bristol City last September. He said on X: "It is not true that I will buy Bristol City FC."

Their chief executive, Tom Rawcliffe, however, confirmed weeks later that the club had conversations with Alalshikh. The Robins, like Derby, are receptive to investment as they seek promotion to the Premier League.

Following speculation about a potential interest in the Rams, apparently sparked by supporters noticing that Alalshikh had followed several fan accounts on X, he addressed those rumours on social media. He posted: "Derby," followed by the person shrugging emoji.

It comes nearly a year after offloading Almeria to a Saudi investment group. The transaction occurred just weeks before he co-founded boxing promotion company Zuffa Boxing alongside UFC chief executive Dana White.

The billionaire's ties to boxing stretch back almost three years, beginning with Tyson Fury's bout against Francis Ngannou in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia had already played host to Anthony Joshua's heavyweight title rematches with both Andy Ruiz Jr and Oleksandr Usyk.

Alalshikh has subsequently arranged several other marquee contests, including the undisputed heavyweight title bout between Fury and Usyk. Now operating through Zuffa, he remains active in staging events throughout the United Kingdom and the United States.