Derby County Faces Potential Takeover with Multiple Bidders

Multiple parties are reportedly pursuing a takeover of Derby County, which has been under the ownership of David Clowes since the summer of 2022. Clowes acquired the club after it entered administration, ultimately leading to its relegation from the Championship. Under his stewardship, Derby has seen a revival, returning to the Championship, but Clowes has expressed his intention to seek external investment or possibly sell the club. This has attracted interest from several potential buyers.

Potential Buyers Emerge

Among those reportedly interested in acquiring Derby County are James Bord and Mike Ashley. Journalist Alan Nixon has indicated via Patreon that both individuals are keen on taking over the Rams. Bord, who made his fortune as a professional poker player, founded Short Circuit Science, a company specializing in sports data analytics, medical prescription technology, and climate adaptation analysis. He has previously collaborated with Sheffield United following their takeover by COH Sports, contributing to their AI-driven recruitment model.

Ashley, who has been heavily linked with a takeover of Sheffield Wednesday, reportedly shifted his focus to Derby after a £20 million bid for Wednesday was outmatched by three competing offers. His interest adds another layer of complexity to the takeover landscape.

John Textor’s Intentions

In addition to Bord and Ashley, John Textor, a former stakeholder at Crystal Palace, appears to be in a strong position to make a formal bid for Derby. The Yorkshire Post reports that Textor is preparing to approach the club with an official offer, demonstrating his serious commitment to securing a deal. Nixon notes that Textor is currently gathering the necessary funds, which may allow for other bidders to enter the fray.

Despite the competition, Textor remains the frontrunner to become Derby’s next owner, although the interest from Bord and Ashley could complicate his efforts.

Valuation and Financial Considerations

The potential cost of acquiring Derby County has been estimated at £60 million, a figure that Textor is reportedly willing to meet. Clowes purchased the Rams for £33 million in 2022 and invested an additional £22 million to acquire Pride Park. This means he would realize a limited profit if the sale proceeds as speculated. Nonetheless, Clowes has conveyed he is open to transferring ownership to someone who can further the club’s ambitions of returning to the Premier League, indicating his willingness to facilitate a deal that benefits Derby’s future.

As the situation develops, the landscape of Derby County’s ownership remains dynamic, with the potential for significant changes in the coming weeks. Each interested party brings unique resources and strategies that could shape the club’s trajectory in the competitive world of football.