20 MINUTES AGO: Saudi Billionaire Mohammad Abunayyan Eyes Nottingham Forest – Ambitious Takeover Bid Causes Stir
The football world is once again being captivated by speculation about a possible change of ownership in the Premier League. This time, the focus is reportedly on Saudi businessman and billionaire Mohammad Abunayyan, who is said to have set his sights on Nottingham Forest. If the reported takeover initiative actually develops, it could become one of the most interesting ownership changes in English football.
It is important to note that there is currently no officially confirmed agreement between Abunayyan and Nottingham Forest. The report should therefore be treated with appropriate caution. However, Abunayyan is known to have significant business experience and an extensive investment network.
Who Is Mohammad Abunayyan?
Mohammad Abunayyan is one of Saudi Arabia’s best-known businessmen. He is the founder and chairman of ACWA Power, a company particularly active in power generation and water desalination. Forbes Middle East listed Abunayyan in 2026 with an estimated net worth of approximately $1.6 billion.
He is also associated with the Mohammed Abunayyan Investment Group, a Saudi investment company that manages interests in private and publicly listed companies. The investment group describes its approach as long-term and focuses, among other areas, on established businesses and growth investments.
This financial and business experience makes the speculation about a potential move into English football particularly intriguing.
Why Nottingham Forest?
Nottingham Forest has an extraordinary history in English football. The two-time European Cup winner has a large international fan base and is one of the country’s most historic football clubs.
A potential investment would therefore mean more than simply purchasing a football club. For an international investor, Nottingham Forest could provide a platform for establishing a long-term presence in the European sports market.
The Premier League also has enormous global reach. A Saudi owner could potentially help the club expand into international markets and develop new commercial partnerships.
What Could a Takeover Change?
If Abunayyan were genuinely to pursue a stake in the club, Forest supporters would likely first focus on his sporting plans. A new owner could provide additional financial resources to strengthen the squad, improve infrastructure and increase the club’s long-term competitiveness.
However, money alone does not guarantee sporting success. Nottingham Forest would still have to comply with Premier League regulations and applicable financial requirements. Any major investment would therefore need to be carefully structured.
One particularly interesting question would be whether a potential new owner would pursue an aggressive transfer strategy or instead focus on sustainable long-term growth.
Saudi Interest in European Football
Potential interest in Forest would also fit into a broader trend. Saudi investors have shown increasing interest in international sports in recent years, with football playing a central role.
Abunayyan, however, has a different profile from traditional football investors. His business activities have largely focused on energy, infrastructure, investment and international business development. He also holds numerous leadership and board positions across various companies and institutions.
If he were genuinely to invest in Nottingham Forest, it would therefore be particularly interesting to see how his business strategy could be applied to football.
Fans Await Clarity
For Nottingham Forest supporters, the most important question at the moment is likely to be: Is there actually a concrete offer on the table?
Until either the club or Abunayyan himself officially confirms such a transaction, many details remain unclear. Neither a final purchase price, potential ownership percentage nor a specific timeline has been reliably confirmed.
Nevertheless, the report is likely to attract significant attention from Forest supporters. The arrival of a Saudi billionaire could have a major impact on the club’s future – financially, commercially and on the pitch.
For Nottingham Forest, such a development would undoubtedly represent a significant moment. For Abunayyan, meanwhile, an entry into the Premier League could mark the beginning of an entirely new chapter in his international investment strategy.
Nothing has been decided yet. But if the current speculation develops into an official offer, Nottingham Forest could soon be facing one of the biggest changes in its modern history.
