John Textor lines up ‘explosive’ Derby County transfer coup amid £60m takeover news
John Textor is lining up a deal to take over Derby County, with the American expected to spend around £60million to buy the Rams.
Derby are the latest club targeted for the businessman’s portfolio of clubs, with Textor also linked with a takeover attempt at Wolves this month.
The 60-year-old has stakes in several clubs, including Botafogo and Lyon, and until the summer, Crystal Palace.
Palace were not allowed to compete in the Europa League despite winning the FA Cup, due to Textor‘s stakes in both the London club and Lyon, who also qualified for the competition.
In a last-ditch attempt, Palace appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, but were forced to settle for the Europa Conference League after having their case dismissed.
John Textor to move Botafogo youngsters to Derby if takeover bid successful
Textor has been linked with several takeover bids in England over the past few years.
The American businessman failed with a deal to take over Everton when Farhad Moshiri was looking to sell up, with The Friedkin Group capitalising on the opportunity.
| Everton ownership – timeline | Date |
| Moshiri agrees to sell majority stake to 777 Partners | September 2023 |
| 777 Partners’ deal to buy Everton collapses | June 2024 |
| Friedkin Group agrees deal to buy Everton | June 2024 |
| Friedkin Group fail to complete deal | July 2024 |
| John Textor granted period of exclusivity to buy Everton | August 2024 |
| Friedkin Group resume talks to buy Everton | September 2024 |
| Friedkin Group complete majority takeover of Everton | December 2024 |
The situation at Sheffield Wednesday has also seen interest from several opportunists, with the Owls now in administration.
Former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley submitted a £20m bid for Sheffield Wednesday, with the Championship club set to finally be free of Dejphon Chansiri.
Alan Nixon reported to his Patreon on Wednesday that Textor is attempting to put the funding in place for his £60m move for Derby, and has promised to move two Botafogo youngsters over.
Young striker Jose Kadir Barria, who has made an “explosive start”, and midfielder Jordan Barrera would likely make the switch should the deal go through, although the plan has been met with opposition in Brazil.
Who are Jose Kadir Barria and Jordan Barrera?
Barria, 18, broke through for Botafogo this season and has scored two goals in just four appearances in the Brazilian top flight.
The teenager from Panama only joined the club in August, but looks an exciting talent, albeit raw.
Berrera, 19, is an attacking midfielder who has made a few appearances for Botafogo so far this season.
The talent also features regularly for Columbia’s Under-20 squad, scoring a goal and providing four assists at the U20 South American Championship in January.
Both players could well enjoy a strong impact in the Championship, but whether they would be happy to move across the world at such tender ages remains to be seen.