Derby County is set to take on Lincoln City in the First Round of the EFL Cup, where they'll be confident of beating the newly-promoted second-tier side on home soil. The Rams haven't been in the Premier League since the 2007/08 campaign. There's been a significant off-field update at Derby in recent weeks, with it being reported that Turki Alalshikh is closing in on a takeover of the club, which could provide them with significant investment.
What happened?
Turki Alalshikh, a well-known figure in the boxing world, is reportedly closing in on a takeover of Derby County. Alalshikh co-founded Zuffa Boxing with UFC president Dana White, and so he's a figure that holds an eye-catching amount of value, which could be an exciting prospect for Derby County.
Why it matters for Derby County
The takeover could bring significant investment to the club, which could help them challenge for promotion this term. However, there are also concerns that Alalshikh may not be able to connect with the club on a day-to-day basis, given his heavy involvement in the boxing world.
What comes next?
Derby County are set to take on Charlton Athletic in their 2026/27 Championship campaign, which kicks off on Saturday 15th August. The Rams will be looking to build on last season's positives and challenge for promotion this term.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 8th in Championship, 69 pts, 20W-9D-17L from 46 games, recent form LWLWL. Goals this season: 67 scored, 59 conceded (+8 goal difference). Title race: 26 points behind leaders Coventry.
Derby County are set to take on Lincoln City in the First Round of the EFL Cup, where they'll be confident of beating the newly-promoted second-tier side on home soil. Then, the Rams get their 2026/27 Championship campaign underway on Saturday 15th August, as they come up against Charlton Athletic, who they beat at The Valley last term, with goals from Bobby Clark, and an own goal from Charlton's Macauley Gillesphey.
