49ers takeover at Leeds United under threat as 'worst financial conditions in a generation' emerge

The 49ers Enterprises could follow other American Premier League investors by pulling out of their Leeds United takeover.

The Premier League has seen the ownership groups of both Liverpool and Manchester United put their clubs up for sale in recent weeks.

The Fenway Sports Group (FSG) are looking to sell Liverpool after their 12-year ownership [Liverpool Echo], while the Glazers followed up by announcing they are open to offers for the Red Devils. [Sky Sports]

Their decision to completely drop their Premier League investment could ring huge alarm bells for the 49ers Enterprises, who have been linked with a full takeover of Leeds United. [The Times]

The shareholders - who are closely linked to NFL franchise San Francisco 49ers - have slowly increased their shares in the Yorkshire side over the past few years, always with the intention of eventually taking full ownership.

Richard Edwards cited Jordan Kobritz from the State University of New York in his Sunday Mirror column (27 November, Pg 77). Kobritz labelled the current economical situation "the worst financial conditions in a generation" amid sales from FSG and the Glazers.

"The worst financial conditions in a generation are forcing US owners to cash in on their investments overseas," wrote Edwards.

"These are owners who are walking away with huge profits. Like it or not, this is the only thing they're interested in."

If the 49ers suddenly view the Leeds takeover as a much less profitable investment then negotiations could quickly collapse.

The takeover has been spoken about as if inevitable in recent weeks, but these latest claims spell real danger for Leeds. Development of the squad, stadium and facilities all likely relied on the 49ers investment.

A collapse in the deal could seriously hinder the club's lofty ambitions and force the current chairman Andrea Radrizzani to rethink the long-term plans for the club.

In other Leeds United news, Raphael Guerreiro is identified as the “ideal fit” for the club, with a January move potentially on the cards.