A Derby County takeover was not news that any Rams fan would have anticipated yesterday, however by mid-morning, it is being widely reported that Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan or Sheik Khaled is close to a takeover of Derby County. Sheik Khaled is also the cousin of Manchester City owner Sheik Mansour. But who is the Abu Dhabi business man? We've done some research and spoke to a few Newcastle United fans to find out all about him.
It was first reported this morning by The Athletic that Sheikh Khaled was in advanced talks to become the new Derby owner. This sent Derby fans across the country (and I dare say the world) to their computers to find out more about him and a reported £115 billion fortune, which is a bit of misnomer, as that would make him the world's richest man. He's not, that , which he is not. This £115 billion fortune is a family fortune. His personal wealth is probably somewhere in the region of £400-700 million. Which under Financial Fair Play would not mean much, unless more (or higher grossing) sponsorship was brought in.
A few hours later John Percy from the Daily Telegraph confirmed that Sheikh Khaled was in final discussions and that takeover was in the final stages.
For Derby fans, this is a very exciting proposition. As a rich owner would undoubtedly be a final stepping stone in purchasing better players, therefore winning more games and ultimately getting promoted back to the riches of the Premier League.
I mean he's the cousin of the Manchester City owner, right? What could possibly go wrong? Sheikh Khaled had reported tried to purchase Liverpool and then subsequently Newcastle United over the past few years. So we spoke to a few Newcastle United supporters and podcasters to find out more about him. Why was it so difficult for him to purchase a club when its owner, Mike Ashley, is desperate to get rid?
"The deal fell through as no money was paid, rumours were that bids were just publicity stunts. Ultimately they did not provide proof of funds," said Newcastle Fan TV. "There was a lot of noise around what he was going to do, invest in the playing squad, facilities etc., but ultimately that’s all it was, noise."
Newcastle Toons recalls, "Based on local reports, the deal fell through because of Mike Ashley’s impatience with the proof of funds, and the fact that the deal went public so quickly seems to have also frustrated Ashley."
Coming Home Newcastle told us that "It just felt like they were using this to promote themselves. Which I hope is not the case with Derby County."
When you hear statements such as these your mood for optimism is dampened a bit. At least these negotiations have not played out as publicly as they did on Tyneside.
One of the unknowns of this deal is status of Pride Park Stadium, which Mel Morris owns independently of the club. Would the stadium be part of any deal for Derby County? Will it continue to be rented at the very fair price of £1 million per season?
It's been reported that Morris will still a "consultant" for the club. How long could that potentially last.
This is a risky move by Derby County. Yes, the English Football League have a "fit and proper" test but that test is not the strictest. Look at Blackpool under Karl and Owen Oyston and peer down the A52 to find a current owner with shady past.
And lastly, one cannot over look the alleged human rights violations that have been taking place in the United Arab Emirates. Derby had a season full of off-the-field distractions last year and it impacted the team both on the field and in the front office. Hopefully this takeover does not drag on and have a negative impact on the playing staff this season.
- Cory