The Billionaire Turki Alalshikh Sets His Sights on Manchester United
Turki Alalshikh has reportedly submitted a formal bid to purchase Manchester United, one of the most storied and valuable clubs on the planet.
A story that has shaken the football world: Saudi Arabian billionaire and royal advisor Turki Alalshikh has reportedly submitted a formal bid to purchase Manchester United, one of the most storied and valuable clubs on the planet. Known for his immense wealth, influence, and relentless ambition, Alalshikh appears ready to extend his reach from the Arab world to the heart of English football.
A Visionary Leader
Born on August 4, 1981, in Riyadh, Turki bin Abdulmohsen bin Abdul Latif Alalshikh showed leadership qualities early in life. A graduate of King Fahd Security College in 2000 with a degree in Security Sciences, he began his career at the Ministry of Interior, eventually reaching the rank of Captain. His path led him to the Emirate of Riyadh, the Ministry of Defense, and the Crown Prince’s Court, where he was appointed Advisor at the Royal Court in 2015 and elevated to Minister rank in 2017.
Transforming Saudi Arabia’s Sports and Entertainment Scene
As Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) since 2018, Alalshikh has been the driving force behind Saudi Arabia’s cultural transformation. He previously chaired the General Sports Authority and the Arab Football Federation, and in 2025 became President of the Saudi Boxing Federation for the 2024–2028 term.
Internationally, his sports ventures are equally significant. In 2019, he became owner and president of UD Almería in Spain and previously invested in Pyramids FC in Egypt. In 2024, he acquired the legendary The Ring Magazine, a historic publication in global boxing since 1922.
Awards, Literature, and Philanthropy
Turki Alalshikh’s influence has been recognized globally. He was named “Most Influential Football Personality” (2017), “Arab Sports Personality of the Year” (2018), and “Man of the Year” by the World Boxing Council (2024). The same year, he earned the title of “Most Influential Personality of the Decade” at the MENA Effie Awards.
A poet and novelist, Alalshikh’s patriotic and romantic works have been performed by top Arab musicians such as Mohammed Abdu, Kadim Al Sahir, and Amr Diab. His debut novel, “Cello” (2021), showcased his artistic sensibility and depth.
In 2020, he founded the Turki bin Abdulmohsen Alalshikh Charitable Foundation, supporting humanitarian and social causes across the Arab world.
If his bid for
Manchester United is successful, it will mark far more than a business transaction — it will symbolize the global expansion of a man who blends power, artistry, and vision. Turki Alalshikh stands today as one of the most influential figures shaping not only Saudi Arabia’s future, but the future of world football itself.

Manos Staramopoulos
Journalist and Analyst of International Football and Affairs
Chief Editor English Zone of Discoveryfootball.com
Athens (Greece)