Exclusive: Leeds United Ownership Change Now Imminent as Fans Rejoice

Last Word on Football understands that Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani is selling his stake in the club. This brings a period featuring Premier League promotion and eventual relegation to a close, with fans looking for a complete rebuild in the coming weeks. The specific figures involved in the sale are as yet unspecified.

Leeds United Owner Andrea Radrizzani Sells Club

Andrea Radrizzani Sells Leeds United to 49ers Enterprises

According to sources, Italian media mogul Andrea Radrizzani is on the verge of selling the Yorkshire club. His reign started with the club in the Championship, but after promotion with Marcelo Bielsa, the club has been in a rapid decline.

Who are 49ers Enterprises?

49ers Enterprises is the investment arm of the NFL team, the San Francisco 49ers. The football team is a significant part of the group, with other investors making up the remainder of the capital in the purchase. Executive Paraag Marathe is already on the board of the club due to the American’s previous 44% stake. Wholesale changes are likely at the top, with Angus Kinnear currently the only figure remaining from the Italian’s tenure.

What Next for Leeds United?

The new ownership has a lot of work to do. After the sacking of Victor Orta as Director of Football and with Sam Allardyce no longer being at the club, any new owner needs to hire replacements for both of these roles and rebuild a squad decimated by relegation. This involves a wealth of players with release clauses and internationals such as Wilfried Gnonto who will want to continue their development at a higher level.

Fans will expect immediate promotion from the Championship or at least a sign that the team’s fortunes are turning around. There are around two months to go until the EFL kicks off, and Leeds United have a lot of business to do before that.