Prospective Derby County owner Erik Alonso has suggested that his takeover of the Rams is not in jeopardy and that he still plans to go ahead with that even if the club are relegated to League One.

Alonso has already agreed a deal to buy Derby, according to Sky Sports, but reports from the Daily Mail have now suggested that that takeover could be in doubt due to him wanting to refinance Pride Park as part of the deal. That is reported to have created some concern over whether the deal can move forwards and whether the takeover will be completed.

The scenario around the takeover could also be changed if the Rams are relegated to League One on the final day of the campaign. Derby have it within their own hands to ensure they survive the drop and know that a win against Sheffield Wednesday will keep them up. However, anything short of that could leave them vulnerable to the drop.

Speaking to talkSPORT (06/05/21, 10:23), Alonso suggested that the reports suggesting the takeover is now in doubt are not accurate and that he is ready to push on with the purchase. While he also insisted he would still go ahead even if the club are relegated to League One.

He said: “No, that is not true. We will go ahead with the takeover.

"I am putting the debt on my name, what I want to do is put the stadium warranty under my name, that’s all. Because I can use that money to buy players.

“Why not? (still own Derby in League One), Derby County is bigger than any division.”

The verdict

This is good news for Derby fans to hear and suggests that there will not be anything major for them to worry about in terms of the takeover being completed despite reports to the contrary. The Rams need to have the ownership change for them to get back onto a solid foundation for next season whatever division they are in.

The fact that Alonso is willing to buy the club still even if they are relegated should take some pressure off the final day of the campaign. It is still vital they avoid dropping down to the third tier, but if a takeover can still go ahead then it is not as disastrous as it could have been.

This update will give Derby fans one less thing to worry about ahead of their massive game against Sheffield Wednesday. Their attentions will now have to be fully focused on getting the three points they need to ensure their survival.