49ers takeover may now be in jeopardy after Leeds United secrets
The 49ers Enterprises takeover of Leeds United could now have been put in jeopardy by the actions of Andrea Radrizzani, according to the Daily Mail.
It is relayed by the newspaper (02 June, pg 73) that the Italian attempted to use Elland Road as collateral to secure a bank loan for his takeover of Sampdoria.
Paraag Marathe of the 49ers was said to be left stunned by the news, with other board members at the club shocked that he could do that without their knowledge.
Writing in his latest piece, David Coverdale reported: “It is understood Kinnear and vice-chairman Paraag Marathe – the president of 49ers Enterprises, who are minority shareholders in Leeds – had no knowledge of Radrizzani’s plans and were stunned when told.
“It is not clear whether Radrizzani went through with the bid, although it is unlikely given it has now been made public.
“But by not telling the 49ers, he could have jeopardised their potential takeover of Leeds.”
Jeopardy.
Although this wouldn’t be a giant surprise, Radrizzani would ruin whatever legacy he has left at Elland Road if this takeover was not to happen.
The Italian put his name in history by getting the club back into the Premier League, but with relegation now secured, he threw it all away with his management after the sacking of Marcelo Bielsa.
The 49ers are seen as the group who could have taken it to the next level with their management and more importantly, their financing, blowing Radrizzani’s wealth out of the window.
A £500million takeover stalled after relegation, with the NFL entity valuing the club closer to £170million now, something that sees talks ongoing.
It is said that the group want Radrizzani out, and this latest move will not change anything, apart from the fact they may also want to fully own the stadium as part of any takeover.
This is a shocking move, let’s hope it doesn’t stall or even completely derail this takeover – it needs to happen.
In other Leeds United news, a decision has been made on the future of Sam Allardyce after crunch talks