John Textor hits out at ‘propaganda with malice’ amid £60m Derby takeover update
John Textor has slammed sources who are “frightening supporters” after a story emerged in Brazil amid his move to purchase Derby County.
Derby are being lined up for a £60million takeover bid by Textor, with the American businessman keen to add another club to his portfolio.
The 60-year-old owns stakes in several clubs across the world, but sold his shares in Crystal Palace in the summer amid the Eagles’ European dispute.
Palace were not allowed to compete in the Europa League due to Textor owning shares in French club Lyon, who had also qualified for the competition.
Textor was linked with a move to take over Wolves at the start of November, with the footballing tycoon keen to add another English club to his collection.
John Textor slams ‘old trick’ amid Botafogo unrest
Textor is reportedly willing to send two Botafogo youngsters to Derby, should his move to purchase the club materialise.
Jose Kadir Barria and Jordan Barrera have been lined up for moves to the Championship in a potential bargaining chip that has faced backlash in Brazil.
Botafogo have faced a difficult season, with pressure on Textor intensifying amid outrage from fans.
The club’s social association took Textor’s Eagle Football ownership group to court, with a ruling subsequently handed down that forces any player sale to be reported to both the judge and the social association before it can go ahead.
Glorioso Play have reported that the decision was motivated by Textor’s intention to sell midfielder Alvaro Montoro to an English club for around £8.7million, a claim that the businessman has taken exception to.
In an Instagram post on Friday, Textor wrote: “Journalists with good intentions, but the source is pushing propaganda with malice.
“Frightening supporters about bad decisions regarding star players… It’s an old trick. The story is not true.”
Botafogo issues could weigh heavy on Derby move
Textor’s move to acquire Derby has been big news in Brazil, with the news that the businessman would be willing to send Botafogo players to the Championship club sparking huge debate.
Such fan outrage will surely have attracted the attention of decision-makers involved in any potential Derby deal, too, with the move growing more complicated by the week.
Fans of the English club will have certainly paid notice, too, with concerns surrounding Textor intensifying.
The American businessman would bring well-received funds, but he appears to be followed by legal action and negative publicity wherever he goes.