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Leeds United chief Andrea Radrizzani in advanced talks with QSI as new takeover twist emerges
Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani has teamed up with Qatar Sports Investment in his bid to buy Sampdoria, according to L’Equipe.
The French newspaper reports on Thursday (25 May) that QSI, who also own Paris Saint-Germain, are in advanced talks with Sampdoria owner Massimo Ferrero.
It is understood that Radrizzani’s ASER Ventures will “join forces” with QSI, who’ve previously been linked with a takeover at Elland Road due to ties between the Italian businessman and Qatari businessman Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
L’Equipe adds that there are rumours that QSI would be interested in investing in Leeds in the long-term but for now, it is reported that Radrizzani “wishes to take a majority stake” at Sampdoria, with QSI happy to be minor shareholders at the relegated Serie A club.
Radz has to sell
This does have major ramifications for Leeds.
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Forget about the QSI and Leeds takeover rumours – that’s always been nonsense, really.
But Radrizzani needs to sell Leeds in order to facilitate a takeover at Sampdoria.
The Athletic journalist Phil Hay reported that on 23 May, saying that “Radrizzani would almost certainly require funds from the sale of Leeds to help secure the purchase of the Genoa-based club”.
Although 49ers Enterprises have a deal in place to buy Leeds from Radrizzani and become the new owners at Elland Road, that deal will break down if the Whites are relegated.
There’s a slim chance of survival going into the final game of the season on Sunday, which means that Radrizzani will pocket between £400million and £500million – more than enough to buy Sampdoria.
But the chances are we’re going down.
However, with QSI and the cash from a Championship version of Leeds, Radrizzani should have no issues in buying the soon-to-be Serie B club.
In other Leeds United news, artificial intelligence has warned of “financial difficulties” at Elland Road with commercial deals potentially being terminated.