Leeds United takeover agreed: Angus Kinnear set for key role as 49ers to make changes in Elland Road boardroom
49ers Enterprises are expected to make new appointments to the Leeds United board after a full takeover of the club was agreed but leave Angus Kinnear in control, the Daily Mail reports.
Andrea Radrizzani has reached a deal with the Americans for 100% of the Whites, with the EFL sent details for ratification on Tuesday (6 June).
After the takeover is completed Kinnear is expected to retain a central role, while Paraag Marathe and Peter Lowy are tipped to name new figures to join them on the board at Elland Road.
The Mail reports: “Marathe and Lowy are both already on the Leeds Board, but are expected to make additional appointments as they plan to remain based in the United States.”
“The day-to-day running of the club is expected to remain in the hands of chief executive Angus Kinnear, who has developed good relationships with both men after being recruited by Radrizzani from West Ham six years ago.”
New era
Kinnear may be somewhat stained by his central role in the outgoing regime, which fell alarmingly from the glorious heights of a ninth-placed Premier League finish under Marcelo Bielsa just two years ago to relegation under Sam Allardyce last week (28 May).
However the CEO appears to have been the main man holding the fort back at Elland Road in the intervening days, where answers are needed at manager, sporting director and among the squad.
He looks set to stay in a position of power at the club if Marathe and Lowy remain on the other side of the Atlantic, as their man on the ground in West Yorkshire.
But after a chaotic season ended in the way many feared it is crucial that the Americans appoint the right people to the boardroom to ensure a smoother running of Leeds United going forward.
Clarity at the very top in the form of an outright owner is a crucial hurdle cleared towards that goal, but numerous questions remain over the summer ahead of what is sure to be a gruelling battle to return to the Premier League.
This looks to be the major news that the Leeds United supporters have been waiting for, and waiting too long at that, but it is only the start for the new owners and the real work starts now.
The noises around the 49ers plans for the future at Elland Road have been positive, but now they are finally set to get fully through the doors the proof will be in practice.
In other Leeds United news, the 49ers have already been dealt a major blow in their plans for a new manager at Elland Road.