49ers to back Radrizzani for Leeds United evolution amid Phillips speculation – Simon Jordan
The San Francisco 49ers are willing to back Andrea Radrizzani to continue transforming Leeds United, according to ex-Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan.
Leeds have spent sums of money previously unheard of at Elland Road since returning to the Premier League before the 49ers increased their shareholding at the club to 44 per cent in November.
In the January that followed, no new players were added to the senior side, however, first-team stars such as Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha have been linked with big-money moves away [Guardian].
West Ham have been linked with Phillips but Jordan feels the Whites have the potential to be a much more attractive proposition than the likes of the Hammers if investment continues to be ploughed into the squad.
“I’m a big admirer of Leeds United Football Club,” said Jordan on talkSPORT on Wednesday [23 March], as shown on the radio station’s Twitter account.
“I realise that they’ve been out of the Premier League for a long time so their status as a club of significance has greatly diminished. And of course, West Ham is a London club.
“But if Leeds can get their act together, they’ve got new shareholders in that business who are Americans that will put money in behind Radrizzani and continue to evolve the club.
“They’ve had a difficult season this season and they need to concentrate on the here and now.
“Losing players like Kalvin Phillips is not an option for them.”
Phillips must stay
We’ve seen a lot said about Raphinha’s future at Leeds United lately and while we’d be gutted to see him go, the club could survive without him.
However, Phillips is the lynchpin of this side and that’s proven in the fact that we really struggle to win whenever he’s missing.
Phillips is a boyhood Leeds fan who’s been there, done that and got the t-shirt. He loves this club and he’ll always put in 110 per cent.
However, the England midfielder has understandably linked with other clubs too.
West Ham can get lost though. Why on earth would he go there?
West Ham’s ship sailed in January when they didn’t bother signing any players; their lack of ambition led to the Hammers dropping out of the race for the top-four.
Phillips is good enough for one of the Premier League’s so-called big-six clubs – he’s way too good for the West Hams and the Aston Villas of the Premier League.
We don’t think he’ll go this summer. Raphinha might, but Phillips, we pray, does not.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites could offer a move for this English central midfielder in the summer who’s a “joy to watch”.