Derby County's proposed takeover by Saudi investors Lion Sport has collapsed, the Championship club announced Monday. The decision comes after the potential new owners dramatically withdrew their bid, despite having received approval from the Football Regulator and the English Football League (EFL).
The club confirmed in a statement that discussions with Lion Sport to acquire a controlling interest would not proceed. "The purchase process had been sanctioned by both the Independent Football Regulator and the EFL, notification of which the club received last week," the statement read. "However, today the club received notice that Lion Sport no longer wanted to continue with the purchase."
Derby County stated that it is "now off the market and will continue to operate under the loyal, committed and unwavering support of Clowes Developments." Preparations for the new EFL season, which begins this Saturday, will continue.
Turki Alalshikh, head of the Lion Sport group, later posted his own statement on X, thanking those involved in the process. He explained that while they understood the Independent Football Regulator's process takes time, the approaching season left insufficient time for preparation. "After careful consideration, we don't feel it is right to proceed at this time without the necessary preparation in place," Alalshikh stated. He added that Lion Sport would remain in conversation with the club regarding future possibilities and wished Derby County success for the upcoming season.
