Elland Road sources respond to Red Bull investment twist at Leeds United
Red Bull are not currently planning on increasing their ownership stake in Leeds United despite recent reports, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The newspaper reported on 18 December that Elland Road sources had denied suggestions the energy drink giant is planning to increase its holding in the club [Matt Hughes, 18 December].
Red Bull are planning on cutting funding from other sports to increase the investments in their brand-owned football clubs, but this doesn’t mean that the Whites will be made part of these changes.
The Austrian conglomerate signed a record-breaking shirt sponsorship deal and purchased a minority stake from 49ers Enterprises last summer, but that’s set to remain the same for the time being.
Increased Red Bull influence would cause panic at Leeds United
Given the Elland Road faithful have been well and truly put through the wringer in the last two decades or so, the outside influence of a huge company with its eyes on profits will set alarm bells ringing.
Red Bull’s shirt sponsorship was undoubtedly a boost for the club financially, but the presence of red on Leeds’ shirts and the conglomerate having a minatory stake leaves fans wary of what the future holds.
An increased focus on Red Bull’s football operations seems to already be well underway, given they’re in the process of rebranding newly-purchased Japanese side Omiya Ardija to their own “RB Omiya Ardija”.
That remains the overriding fear for supporters whose lives go in tandem with the Peacocks’ identity – Red Bull’s track record when it comes to football is one of brand domination and diluted identity.
Corporate branding being the major selling point of a football club goes against everything the average United fan stands for, and if Red Bull does try to increase their influence at Elland Road, don’t expect it to happen without a fight.
In other Leeds news, Patrick Bamofrd making a surprise January exit to a fellow EFL club has been mooted on the BBC.
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