Leeds United: Rickie Fowler investment plan emerges in 49ers structure
Rickie Fowler is one of three major US golfers looking to invest in the 49ers Enterprises’ takeover of Leeds United, as reported by BBC Sport.
The report from 14 June states that Fowler is joined by Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas in his intention to become a part of the Leeds takeover. 49ers purchased a 15 per cent stake in 2018 which increased to 44 per cent in 2021.
Now, the investment group are set to take full control of Leeds, buying out owner Andrea Radrizzani in a £150million deal, with investors split into two main groups.
Phil Hay has tweeted how the three American golfers could become a part of this sensational takeover deal.
“A core group of major players. Then a wider group of ‘added value’ investors, committing much smaller sums. Most likely Fowler would fit in group two,” Hay tweeted.
Fascinating
This Leeds United takeover has been the talk of the town for a while now and with it all set to go through, fans can start to get excited by the prospect of a quick return to the Championship.
The new owners will likely have money to spend, especially after saving such a large sum on their takeover cost than what had initially been agreed. Priority number one, of course, will be a new manager, however.
What makes the takeover even more fascinating is the inclusion of celebrity names such as Fowler, Spieth and Thomas as well as other sports personalities. While takeover talk is so often littered with names people don’t recognise from obscure investment firms, it is quite the change to see major sports stars involved in the deal so prominently.
Of course, it seems the inclusion would just be as minority investors, as explained by Hay, as it is hard to see any of the golfers having much say over major football decisions at the club.
In other Leeds United news, Manchester United are in talks to sign a Leeds defender.