Erik Alonso’s Derby takeover in serious JEOPARDY after claims Spanish businessman is looking to refinance Pride Park in bid to fund deal
- Erik Alonso’s potential takeover of Derby County is said to be in serious doubt
- The prospective owner is trying to refinance Pride Park in a bid to fund the deal
- Alarm bells are ringing inside the club and they realise a buyout is now unlikely
The takeover of Derby County is in serious doubt after claims that prospective owner Erik Alonso has attempted to refinance Pride Park in a bid to fund the deal.
Sportsmail has been told that alarm bells are ringing inside the club and there is a realisation that the buyout is unlikely to go through.
Alonso has provided proof of funds — it is not known if this money belonged to him or an associate — but sources say he does not intend to use that to complete the purchase of the Championship club.
The takeover of Derby County is in serious doubt with prospective owner Erik Alonso (above) currently attempting to refinance Pride Park in a bid to fund the deal
Instead, they claim the Spanish businessman wants to borrow against the stadium. Derby owner Mel Morris bought Pride Park in 2018, but Sportsmail understands the deal with Alonso includes the transfer of it to his company, No Limits Sports Ltd.
The sale of the club — who need a result against Sheffield Wednesday in Saturday’s final game to stay in the Championship — was agreed one month ago and has since been subject to the EFL’s owners and directors test.
The delay, we are told, has been caused by Alonso’s alleged attempt to secure finance against Pride Park and the time it takes to arrange a report on the ground’s value.
Derby owner Mel Morris (above) bought Pride Park in 2018, but we understand the deal with Alonso includes transfer of it to his company, No Limits Sports Ltd
Alonso, who works as a football agent, may want to use Derby as a trading platform for players
Morris — who also secured a loan against the stadium last year — is desperate to sell the club after being forced to cover April’s wages from his own pocket last Friday.
Morris agreed to proceed with Alonso (above), 29, in the belief that a takeover could be concluded swiftly.
Yet optimism has faded and the deal looks set to go the same way as the doomed takeover of Dubai-based Bin Zayed International.
There was concern last month when Alonso suggested six players Derby should target for transfer — five of which were ineligible for a UK work permit.
It is suspected that Alonso, who also works as an agent, will use Derby as a trading platform for players and has plans to install his own technical director and recruitment team. Derby declined to comment. Alonso did not respond when approached.