Michael Phelps now investing in Leeds United after 49ers Enterprises takeover ratified

Tue 18 July 2023 7:10, UK

Famous Olympian Michael Phelps is now a part investor in Leeds United following the confirmation of the 49ers full takeover at Elland Road, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Leeds United announced on Monday (17 July) that the EFL has approved the sale of the club to American investment group 49ers Enterprises, putting an official end to Andrea Radrizzani’s five-year ownership.

Michael Schwimer, CEO of Big League Advantage and a now minority owner of Leeds, confirmed via Twitter the names of eight athletes who have invested in the Whites via his company, and stated others who did not want to be named have put in money too.

I am thrilled to announce that the following athletes have partnered with @BigLeagueAdv to invest in @LUFC @MichaelPhelps @JordanSpieth @JustinThomas34 @Larrydn22
Myles Jack@TJMcConnell @6ErikJohnson @GabeLandeskog92

Other athletes have joined our group but prefer to…
— Michael Schwimer (@mschwimer) July 17, 2023

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“Athletes include swimming great Michael Phelps, golf superstars Jordan Speith and Justin Thomas, NBA basketballer Larry Nance, free agent and former Jacksonville Jaguars NFL linebacker Myles Jack, former University of Arizona basketball player TJ McConnell and hockey stars Erik Johnson and Gabriel Landeskog”, confirms the Yorkshire Evening Post (17 July).

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Moving forward

The official green light handed down from the EFL for the 49ers to announce their full takeover certainly comes as a huge relief to Leeds United and Daniel Farke.

The Whites can certainly now move forward with the plans for the new season, with some exciting new investors, which could in turn lead to more exciting transfer opportunities to bolster the squad.

After this official announcement, things are now starting to take shape at Elland Road as the club seek a swift return to the Premier League and the 49ers’ investment is going to be a huge bonus to that ambition.

It’s time for the American consortium and the long list of investors to put their money where their mouth is and aid Farke’s quest to fully build a squad capable of matching it up with the best sides in the Championship.

And the club have already made a promising start with a move for Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu, which looks close to being completed. Very impressive deal.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites are chasing what could be a crucial senior appointment at Elland Road with talks now underway.