Bristol City supporters have seen takeover hopes cooled after Saudi billionaire Turki Alalshikh publicly ruled himself out of buying the club.
Speculation had mounted earlier in the week, but attention has now shifted to a possible alternative suitor who visited the Robins’ training ground.
Takeover rumours dismissed but interest remains
Excitement was sparked when reports suggested Alalshikh, a high-profile boxing promoter with a fortune of more than £2 billion, had held talks with current owner Steve Lansdown. Fans drew inevitable comparisons with Newcastle United’s Saudi-backed transformation, raising hopes of similar investment in BS3.
Those hopes were swiftly tempered, however, when Alalshikh took to social media to post a short, unequivocal message: “It is not true that I will buy Bristol City FC.”
While his withdrawal ended speculation of a Saudi-led deal, fresh intrigue followed as ITV West Country journalist Ross Arnott reported a separate visitor had been shown around the club’s training facilities this week. Although no immediate change of ownership is expected, the development has kept alive the possibility of new backing at some stage this season.
Lansdown, who has owned the Robins since 2002, has been a central figure in modernising the club. His tenure has delivered a redeveloped Ashton Gate and financial stability, but on-field ambition remains unfulfilled. City have been a Championship side since 2015 and supporters’ desire to finally reach the Premier League has only grown stronger after years of near misses.
Last season’s play-off heartbreak at the hands of Sheffield United underlined the gap still to be bridged. A strong start to the current campaign under Gerhard Struber has kept optimism high, yet many fans believe external investment will be the key to pushing into the top flight for the first time since 1980.
The talk of takeovers reflects that appetite. Even with Alalshikh stepping away, the fact that other parties are taking an interest suggests Lansdown could yet hand over the reins if the right offer comes forward.
For now, supporters will continue to back a team pushing at the right end of the Championship while watching closely for developments behind the scenes.
Writer’s View
Turki Alalshikh’s swift denial may have ended the most glamorous of the rumours, but the story is not finished. Bristol City’s infrastructure and position in the Championship make them an attractive proposition, and a training ground visit hints at ongoing interest.
While Lansdown deserves credit for stabilising the club, a fresh injection of resources may be what finally propels the Robins into the Premier League era. Until then, the speculation will persist, because supporters know how close the team is to taking the final step.
