Leicester City's ownership future is under scrutiny as Saudi figure Turki Alalshikh is linked with a takeover, with former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness warning his volatile temperament should concern supporters. Wyness also cast doubt on the credibility of another suitor, Indian-Scottish businessman Neil Lal, stating he has zero chance of sealing a deal.
The club's current owners, King Power, are working with CitiGroup on a sale. A reported deadline for initial offers passed earlier this month. Wyness, who now runs a football consultancy, believes an Alalshikh-led deal could gain English Football League approval pretty quickly, referencing the 55-day approval for his aborted Derby County bid.
Wyness questions Lal's credibility
Neil Lal has stated his intention to approach Leicester's board directly, claiming the club's £200 million valuation is too high. He has warned of the club's debt and wage bill in League One, suggesting financial struggles could worsen if performance does not improve. Wyness, however, dismissed Lal's approach, suggesting that bypassing the appointed bank shows a lack of seriousness and questioning his access to sufficient wealth to restore the club.
Alalshikh's Derby experience
Alalshikh's previous involvement with Derby County ended abruptly this summer when he withdrew just an hour before a planned announcement, later apologising on social media. Despite that, his ownership group received regulatory approval in 55 days, a process Wyness notes was faster than the 90-day restriction and far quicker than Newcastle United's 18-month saga. This speed, Wyness suggests, could be replicated for Leicester.
Leicester's immediate focus remains on the pitch, where they sit 14th in League One with nine points from seven games. The team's recent form has been mixed, with three wins, one draw and one defeat from their last five outings, leaving them six points off the top of the table. Clarity on the club's ownership is seen as vital as they look to build momentum in the league, with the full standings available here.
More detail at Football Insider
