San Francisco 49ers in clear run at £150m Leeds takeover with Paraag Marathe role detailed
Paraag Marathe presence at Leeds United will reportedly ensure that there will be an experienced sporting director if the takeover goes through.
According to the Telegraph [31 May], £150million is understood to be the club's valuation after they suffered relegation to the Championship last week.
Leeds still have to sort out the future of their next manager, bring in a sporting director and also deal with the transfer window.
The report read, "While Radrizzani has always been the majority shareholder at Leeds, the 49ers have built up their stake in the club to 44 per cent. Paraag Marathe, President of 49ers Enterprises, has been on the board at Leeds since 2018 and two years ago was appointed vice-chairman.
"His roles with the 49ers include contract negotiations, 'salary cap architect, while overseeing the team’s football analytics department' according to his official biography. So there would be an experienced sporting executive in place should the takeover go through."
Get it done
Radrizzani appeared to be a hands on owner until recently but at the time when Leeds were going through their lowest trough, he was nowhere to be seen.
Not showing up on the final day of the season was unacceptable, especially with the game being played at Elland Road.
The players would've got more of a boost had the Italian been there, but he was busy buying another football club and that shows where his priorities are.
His recent statement does not appear to be a farewell message to Leeds or their supporters so there's still a chance of him staying.
However, the 49ers need to increase their stake, at the very least, and start taking the big calls to clean this mess up.
Marathe does seem to be one who knows the analytical side of things well so he can be someone who plays a crucial role.