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49ers £1bn Leeds United dream to go up in smoke as Elland Road scenario looms
The 49ers’ takeover of Leeds United has been a long time coming, but their aspirations in West Yorkshire could take a serious dent in the coming days.
The American enterprises have the option to buy the club in January 2024 for £400million, although it’s believed the takeover could well be pushed forward to the summer of 2023 (The Athletic).
If Leeds are relegated to the Championship, Andrea Radrizzani could lose £270million off the club’s value, with the Daily Mail claiming (18 April) the 49ers won’t be willing to pay more than £150million.
Uncertainty is rife at Elland Road at present. The 49ers have some big ambitions for the Whites moving forward, but relegation will see their aspirations evaporate into thin air.
It’s believed the 49ers feel Leeds can be worth £1billion in the future (The Athletic, 23 April). If relegation occurs, they can wave those dreams goodbye. With a huge home fixture against Newcastle United on Saturday, the 49ers’ £1billion dreams could be dead in the water after this weekend.
Sam Allardyce’s side need to win. They cannot afford to pass up the chance of three points at home. With West Ham and Tottenham to come, there are opportunities in the offing, but it could be far too late.
A win against the Magpies is a must. A defeat on Saturday (13 May) will leave Leeds staring relegation square in the face with the odds firmly against them. A loss will also see the 49ers’ hopes for the future firmly quashed for the time being.
In other Leeds United news, transfer target “almost certain” to leave club amid interest from England with a flight scheduled.