According to The Athletic, Spanish businessman, Erik Alonso has reached an agreement to complete the Derby County takeover. The deal is subject to EFL approval, however. Should the deal go through as planned, it will end a torrid time for the Rams, who have been on the hunt for new ownership for some time. It looked likely in October that the group to complete the takeover would be Bin Zayed International.
The same group attempted bids for Newcastle United and Liverpool, according to The Athletic, and when that didn’t work, turned to the Championship and Derby. Once again, it wasn’t to be, though. Now the takeover of Derby County looks set to finally commence courtesy of Alonso.
Derby County Takeover Pending Approval
Relief for Derby
Having been attempting to sell at least a large percentage of the club since the start of the season, Mel Morris will be more relieved than many at Alonso’s pending takeover. The Rams currently sit 18th having endured the worst possible season.
Wayne Rooney’s arrival in the dugout rather than the pitch has turned the sinking ship towards safety, but they’ll have bigger ambitions than the comforts of mid-table. New ownership could result in this, too.
Spanish businessman, Erik Alonso, has previously attempted to buy Sheffield Wednesday, only to see his bid fail despite spending time there as an advisor. So the ambition was always there, it was just about finding the right club.
And it looks as though he has found that at Derby. The Spaniard owns the management company WBD Sports and will be hoping to take over on behalf of No Limits Sports LTD, another business of his.
Should the takeover of Derby County go through, the Rams will be able to look to the future without the anxiety of a lack of financial funds. Or, at last, that’ll be the hope.
Statement From Alonso
The new owner, pending approval, Alonso, released a statement saying: “We are privileged to take ownership of one of the founding members of the Football League and to build a fresh future for the fans, staff and players of Derby County.
“It has undoubtedly been a difficult period both on and off the pitch for the club over the last two seasons and we recognise that all of the staff have been dedicated and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the club’s first team and academy football operations were fulfilled.
“We are looking forward to working with Wayne Rooney and his team, and will do everything possible to support the club’s vision and ambition. We would like to thank Mel Morris and his team for their support in helping to facilitate a quick and smooth transaction. The sales and purchase agreement has been signed and we are now working with the EFL on the final stages of the EFL Owners and Directors Test.”
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