‘100%’ – Radrizzani discusses possibility of Leeds sale amid US takeover speculation
Andrea Radrizzani has confirmed that he has no desire to sell Leeds United after winning promotion to the Premier League with them.
Leeds’ value would have no doubt increased a huge amount since Radrizzani took full control of the Yorkshire club in 2017.
However, despite speculation about a takeover by QSI [90min], the Italian businessman would only be open to new investors, rather than selling up.
“I am 100 per cent committed,” Radrizzani told The Times when discussing the possibility of selling the club.
“People said, ‘Ah, you’re going to go up and sell.’ Actually, it’s the opposite. The interest of the club is always top for me.
“If one day I’d like to open the door to a partner to help, and I considered that they added value to this club to close the gap with the bigger clubs, of course I will be sitting down and listening. But I want to control the club and develop it.”
Speculation about a Leeds takeover from QSI simply isn’t stopping, even though Radrizzani has spoken out several times to say that he is not going to sell up.
The Athletic journalist Phil Hay has recently said that from what he’s heard about a potential takeover by the Qatari company, “it sounds nowhere near being close”.
Hay did admit that Radrizzani’s friendship with QSI chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi could mean that something will happen in the future, but that seems to be the only thing that’s fueling these rumours. One rich man being close to another rich man. It doesn’t mean they’ll do business together.
Of course, there is also 49ers Enterprises to think about, who own a minority stake in Leeds after entering business with Radrizzani in 2018.
It would not be a shock to see 49ers increase their influence at Elland Road while 90min has reported that the US company are eyeing a complete takeover.
We don’t see that happening based on Radrizzani’s stance but there could be some deals done behind the scenes at the club this summer in order to get the squad up to scratch for the Premier League.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are in detailed talks to sign this international centre-back.