David Ornstein issues Leeds United and San Fracisco 49ers state of play amid current relegation battle
David Ornstein claims that Leeds United cannot raise anything more based on the limitations related to their owner and Elland Road.
Speaking to NBC Sports, the Athletic journalist explained why Andrea Radrizanni will not be able to take the club to the next level.
It’s understood that the deal is done for a full takeover but it is contingent on the Whites staying in the Premier League.
Ornstein said, “The cost of relegation would be massive for them and that’s why we’re on tenterhooks here: ‘If we’re interested in Leeds United not only from a financial perspective but from a football one as well.’
“Premier League football has helped transform Leeds United’s revenue but if you look at their financial accounts, there is a realisation that they have maxed out on what they’re able to raise and that’s largely due to their stadium size and it needs some improvements.
“Andrea Radrizzani, who’s been leading this project since 2017, has done fantastic things for the club but he can’t take them on any more on his own and that’s why the 49ers Enterprises come into play.
“It’s a consortium largely backed by American financiers and they’ve been building their stake in Leeds since 2018 and they’re really part of the furniture now.
“I broke a story a while ago that they have an option to buy the club in excess of 400million in January 2024 but it’s always been likely that the takeover will be completed early.
“I understand that the deal is essentially done but it’s contingent on Leeds being in the Premier League, retaining their status in the Premier League and that’s why it makes their survival so important.”
Massive
Relegation brings down the valuation of the club massively and that’s the last thing Radrizzani would want after getting this side to the Premier League.
If they avoid relegation, it will be three straight seasons in the top flight and that will be ideal for the Italian as he will look to leave with an unblemished track record in terms of progression year after year.
There have been plenty of decisions that have cost the side weeks and months in terms of building in the right direction, but the understanding always was that the new owners will build on the foundations of Radrizzani.
Getting relegated will throw cold water on all those plans and it’ll be a pretty bad situation for everyone involved with the club.
That’s why it’s essential that the Whites do everything they can in order to avoid getting relegated from the Premier League this season.
The 6-1 defeat against Liverpool is certainly a big setback but their chances of winning the game before kick off were not that high anyway so they have to hold their heads high and focus on the next one.
In other Leeds United news, Ian Wright cannot believe his eyes after footage surfaces of a Leeds player on social media.
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