TURKI ALALSHIKH: A Unique Investment Experience Led by Africa’s “Gold Mines”
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TURKI ALALSHIKH
Despite UD Almería’s relegation after just two seasons in La Liga, Turki Alalshikh’s tenure with the Spanish club remains one of the most remarkable and influential investment projects in football during the 21st century.
This experience has inspired many, thanks to an exceptional vision based on discovering and capitalizing on talents—especially from Africa, a continent considered a gold mine for clubs aiming for both financial and sporting success.
The Beginning: A Bold Investment
In 2019, Turki Alalshikh acquired Almería, which was competing in Spain’s second division, in a deal worth €20 million, alongside an additional €7 million to settle the club’s debts.
From the outset, the ambitious project took shape. Alalshikh implemented a clear economic and sporting philosophy: investing in young talents, developing players, and later selling them at record prices.
Successful Investment Strikes – Darwin Núñez: The Golden Start
Uruguayan forward Darwin Núñez was the first major signing of Alalshikh’s era. He was brought in from the Uruguayan league for €15 million and sold after just one season to Benfica for €34 million (including add-ons).
This early success validated Alalshikh’s investment strategy and placed Almería on the map of European clubs focused on uncovering promising talents.
Africans: The True Gold Mine – The Nigerian Experience: Umar Sadiq
Following Núñez’s departure, Almería signed Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq from Serbian club Partizan for €9 million.
Sadiq excelled at Almería, playing 84 matches, scoring 43 goals, and providing 19 assists.
He was instrumental in the team’s promotion to La Liga, finishing the season as the club’s top scorer with 18 goals.
After two seasons, he was sold to Real Sociedad for €20 million, yielding a profit of €11 million.
The Malian Experience: El Bilal Touré
One of Almería’s standout signings was Malian striker El Bilal Touré, who joined from Stade de Reims for €8 million.
Despite playing only 22 matches, during which he scored 7 goals and provided 2 assists, his talent caught the attention of major clubs.
In less than a year, he was sold to Atalanta for €30 million, earning a profit of €22 million.
The Senegalese Experience: Dion Lopy
Currently, Almería relies on Senegalese midfielder Dion Lopy, who was signed from Stade de Reims.
The 22-year-old has become a key player in the team, which currently leads the Spanish second division standings and could secure a return to La Liga.
This season, Lopy has played 18 matches, scoring 1 goal and providing 2 assists, with his market value expected to rise further.
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Turki Alalshikh’s Inspirational Vision
Almería’s journey under Turki Alalshikh’s leadership was far from a mere passing investment. It stands as a model for how to manage football clubs and strike a balance between financial and sporting success.
This experience teaches us that clear vision and bold decisions are the keys to achieving what once seemed impossible.
