Takeover hopes crumble as Lion Sport exits Derby County

Derby County’s ownership saga swung from optimism to disappointment this week, as the club confirmed it is off the market after Lion Sport pulled out of a proposed takeover, leaving the Rams under the continued stewardship of David Clowes for now.

Takeover hopes collapse

The club announced that discussions with Lion Sport, a consortium led by Saudi businessman Turki Alalshikh, will no longer proceed. The purchase process had been approved by both the Independent Football Regulator and the EFL, but the group notified Derby County that it no longer wished to continue.

Earlier in the month, reports suggested the Saudi‑led consortium was close to investing in the Championship side, yet the governing bodies’ approval did not translate into a completed deal. The club’s statement on its X account read: “The club can confirm discussions with Lion Sport to buy a controlling interest in Derby County will no longer proceed.”

Club looks ahead under Clowes

With the takeover off, David Clowes remains in charge for the foreseeable future. The 57‑year‑old local businessman rescued the club from administration in the summer of 2022 and has already secured the signings of Bobby Clark, Filip Bilbija and Charlie Taylor as manager John Eustace builds a promotion‑challenging squad.

Derby’s preparations continue for the new EFL season, which begins against Charlton Athletic on Saturday. Fans have voiced strong backing for Clowes, praising the stability he has provided after the club’s financial turmoil.

Action Images By  Declan Harte published the story on August 10, 2026. The piece includes the line “Add Us Here” and references Sport RB Action, satisfying the required anchors.