Who is Turki Alalshikh? The Saudi billionaire urged to buy Sheffield Wednesday from Dejphon Chansiri | OneFootball

Simon Jordan has recommended the Owls to the Middle Eastern boxing mogul

Amid growing speculation around the future of Sheffield Wednesday, a surprising new name has entered the conversation - Turki Alalshikh

TalkSPORT pundit and former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan has revealed that Saudi billionaire Alalshikh is actively exploring the possibility of purchasing an English football club - and recommended the Owls as a prime candidate.

The suggestion comes at a time of unrest at Hillsborough, with Wednesday languishing in the middle of the Championship table, after pushing for playoffs for much of the campaign, and chairman Dejphon Chansiri facing sustained criticism from supporters.

Though Chansiri has publicly insisted he has no intention to sell the club, reports of prospective interest from foreign investors continue to gather momentum.

Turki Alalshikh: The Saudi billionaire linked with buying Sheffield Wednesday and his Net Worth

Turki Alalshikh is a prominent Saudi businessman and government official, currently serving as Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia.

A member of the Saudi Royal Court, Alalshikh has become a key figure in the country’s vision to establish itself as a global hub for sport and entertainment.

Born in 1981, Alalshikh began his career in the Ministry of Interior after earning a degree in security sciences, and later moved into high-level advisory roles within the royal government.

He developed a particularly close relationship with Saudi Arabia’s ruler Mohammed bin Salman, during the prince’s late teens. Their connection is believed to be instrumental to his rapid rise within Saudi power circles.

In recent years, he has overseen the dramatic expansion of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector, playing a central role in bringing elite boxing, MMA, Formula 1, WWE and even LIV Golf events to the kingdom.

His influence in boxing has become particularly notable, where he's now considered the sport's most powerful figure, able to arrange major fights that were previously difficult to make happen. In November 2024, he purchased the century-old Ring Magazine, expanding his media influence in the sporting world.

In addition to his governmental roles, Alalshikh is an experienced football owner. He previously held stakes in Egypt’s Pyramids FC and currently owns Spanish second-tier club UD Almería, which he purchased in 2019.

His hands-on involvement with Almería has seen heavy investment and ambitious attempts to establish the club as a top-flight mainstay.

According to his own statements on a Kuwaiti podcast, he has previously held discussions with an unnamed Premier League club over a potential purchase, and was once offered the opportunity to take a stake in AC Milan by the late super agent Mino Raiola.

His sporting ventures are backed by an estimated personal net worth of £2.14 billion, according to talkSPORT.

As a key figure in Saudi Arabia's 2030 Vision project aimed at diversifying the economy and improving the country's international image, Alalshikh will also play a significant role in planning for the 2034 Football World Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Despite his sports industry success, Alalshikh's rise has not been without controversy. Multiple sources cited by a special report in The Athletic claim that people have been detained in Saudi Arabia for criticising him on social media.

He has been described as central to a regime that human rights organizations have criticized for its authoritarian governance.

Additionally, questions have been raised about his temperament, with reports of public outbursts and confrontational behavior. Any potential takeover of an English club would likely face scrutiny from authorities and fan groups concerned about sportswashing and human rights records.

Turki Alalshikh urged to buy Sheffield Wednesday as Chansiri criticism intensifies

While Alalshikh has not publicly confirmed interest in buying Sheffield Wednesday, Simon Jordan has indicated that the Saudi billionaire is actively seeking opportunities in English football. In recent comments on talkSPORT, Jordan revealed:

“When I’m asked by these guys ‘what English football club would you advocate for us to buy?’ I said… if I was buying a football club and I was really motivated and had your kind of dough, I would buy Sheffield Wednesday.”

According to Jordan, discussions have taken place between himself and Alalshikh regarding potential acquisitions, with the Owls floated as a "powerhouse" club with "scale" and a "huge" fanbase.

He noted the stature of Hillsborough and the loyalty of the supporters as factors that make the club an attractive proposition, despite its current challenges.

However, any deal would face a significant obstacle: current owner Dejphon Chansiri. The Thai businessman has repeatedly stated his commitment to the club, even amid fierce backlash over financial mismanagement, points deductions, and public fallouts with fans and local media.

Chansiri has not formally placed the club on the market and has previously dismissed reports of external interest.

Nonetheless, the financial power behind Alalshikh means such speculation cannot be easily ignored.

While there is no official approach on the table, the emergence of Alalshikh as a potential suitor underscores the lingering instability at Hillsborough - and the ongoing allure of English football’s sleeping giants to wealthy international investors.