Turki Alalshikh Denies Bristol City Bid Despite Confirmed Investment Talks
It’s not every day a billionaire publicly denies buying a football club—especially when the club’s own CEO says talks happened. On Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi Arabian sports magnate and chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, posted a simple but emphatic message on X on September 24, 2025: "It is not true that I will buy Bristol City FC," followed by a thumbs-up emoji. The denial landed like a thunderclap. Just days earlier, Bristol City Football Club CEO Tom Rawcliffe had confirmed to Football League World that investment discussions with Alalshikh had taken place earlier in 2025. Contradiction? Or strategy? The truth, as always, is messier.
Conflicting Stories, One Stadium
The confusion stems from two parallel narratives. On one side, Alan Nixon, a well-regarded Championship insider reporting via Patreon, claimed in early September that Alalshikh was preparing a formal bid to take over the club from the Lansdown family. On the other, Rawcliffe confirmed talks occurred—but stopped short of saying a bid was submitted. Meanwhile, Steve Lansdown, the Bristol-based businessman who has poured an estimated £280 million into Bristol City since becoming chairman in 2002, had publicly stated in February that any sale was "not close." Now, with the club sitting mid-table in the 2025/26 Championship season, the silence speaks volumes.Alalshikh’s denial came precisely one week before Bristol City’s away fixture against Preston North End at Deepdale on September 28, 2025. Timing like that isn’t accidental. It’s a calculated move to shut down speculation that could unsettle players, fans, or even potential sponsors. But here’s the twist: if talks never happened, why did Rawcliffe confirm them? And if they did, why deny it so publicly?
Why Bristol City? Why Now?
Bristol City isn’t just any Championship side. They play at Ashton Gate, a 27,000-seat stadium in the heart of Bristol, England. Their recent season was promising: they reached the 2024/25 play-off semi-finals before losing to Sheffield United. This season, under manager Gerhard Struber, they’ve collected 11 points from six matches—three wins, two draws, one loss. They’ve scored 10 goals, conceded 8. Solid. Not spectacular. But ripe for investment.Alalshikh, who’s orchestrated high-profile boxing events in Riyadh and Jeddah, has shown a growing appetite for English football. Earlier in 2025, former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan claimed Alalshikh was eyeing Millwall. That interest quickly shifted to Bristol City. Why? Possibly because the Lansdowns, despite their deep financial commitment, have never fully modernized the club’s commercial operations. There’s money to be made in media rights, global branding, and fan engagement—areas where Alalshikh’s experience in entertainment could add real value.
The Lansdown Legacy
Steve Lansdown didn’t just buy a football club—he built it. From upgrading Ashton Gate’s facilities to signing key players on modest budgets, his £280 million investment is one of the largest personal outlays by a single owner in the Championship’s modern era. He’s a local man who turned a struggling side into a consistent top-half contender. But after 23 years, the question lingers: is he ready to walk away? Lansdown has never said yes. But he’s never said no either.That ambiguity is what fuels speculation. When a billionaire with Alalshikh’s resources and global connections enters the frame, even a quiet conversation can send ripples through a community. Fans at Ashton Gate have already started whispering: Is this the end of an era? Or just the beginning of something bigger?
What’s Next?
The next chapter begins on September 28, 2025, when Bristol City faces Preston North End. The team needs focus, not headlines. But the ownership shadow looms large. No further official statements are expected before October 2025, according to club insiders. That’s a long silence in football’s 24/7 news cycle.Alalshikh’s team may be testing the waters—seeing how much leverage they have before making a move. Or perhaps the talks collapsed, and the denial was simply damage control. Either way, the club’s future hangs in the balance. For now, the only certainty is this: Bristol City’s story is far from over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Turki Alalshikh really talk to Bristol City about buying the club?
Yes, according to CEO Tom Rawcliffe, who confirmed to Football League World in September 2025 that investment discussions took place earlier that year. However, Alalshikh denies any intention to buy, calling those claims "not true." The nature and stage of those talks remain unclear.
Why does Steve Lansdown still own Bristol City after 23 years?
Lansdown has invested approximately £280 million into the club since 2002, funding stadium upgrades, player wages, and youth development. He’s a local businessman who views the club as a legacy project. While he’s never ruled out a sale, he’s also never signaled urgency—making any potential takeover dependent on the right offer and timing.
What’s the significance of Ashton Gate in this situation?
Ashton Gate is more than a stadium—it’s a symbol of Lansdown’s commitment and a potential asset for new owners. With a 27,000 capacity and room for commercial expansion, it could attract significant revenue through hospitality, events, and media rights. Alalshikh’s background in entertainment makes this especially relevant.
Could this affect Bristol City’s performance on the pitch?
Potentially. The uncertainty has already created noise around the club, though manager Gerhard Struber has kept the squad focused. With 11 points from six matches, they’re mid-table—but a prolonged ownership limbo could impact recruitment, morale, or even sponsorship deals ahead of the January transfer window.
Is Turki Alalshikh serious about buying other English clubs?
His interest in Millwall earlier in 2025 and now Bristol City suggests a pattern. Alalshikh isn’t just chasing prestige—he’s looking for clubs with solid foundations but underdeveloped commercial potential. Championship teams like Bristol City offer a lower-risk entry into English football compared to Premier League clubs.
When will we know the real outcome?
No official update is expected before October 2025. Club sources say both sides are in a holding pattern, likely waiting for financial due diligence or market conditions to shift. If a deal is coming, it will likely surface before the January transfer window opens.