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Graham Smyth delivers verdict on impact of Coronavirus on QSI takeover at Leeds
Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth has said that it may be a “long time” before the Leeds United/QSI takeover happens after the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Leeds seemed to be on a certain path just a few weeks ago… Promotion to the Premier League and then investment in the summer from the QSI group.
Andrea Radrizzani had revealed in the Times that he was in talks with QSI over investment that would see Leeds propelled into the same levels of spending as Man City.
However, with promotion up in the air and no one knowing if this season will even get finished, Smyth believes all takeover talk will be on hold.
Writing in a Q&A on the Yorkshire Evening Post on Saturday, Smyth said, “There was little likelihood of any deal happening before the season was done, so any interested parties will still be watching and waiting.
“Premier League football opens up a real possibility of investment but I wouldn’t bet against Andrea Radrizzani staying around for a season to enjoy the fruits of his and the club’s labours.
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“I’ve had no suggestion that QSI have ever sat down with Angus Kinnear, but they’ve obviously got the financial power to sweep in and take the lot if they so desired and if Andrea Radrizzani was willing to sell.
“Don’t forget the 49ers in all this though. They’re still very much interested in their investment and how Leeds are developing. The summer was due to be interesting but of course, it may now be that it’s a long time before any ownership issues arise.”
There are a lot of things that are going to be on hold after the Coronavirus outbreak.
Many football clubs will be worried about actually making it through a period where key revenue streams are going to be lost.
However, it will come to an end. We will get through this and we think the 19/20 season will be finished. It might finish late but we’d bet money on it being finished.
When that happens it should be business as usual, with a few caveats.
We can see the finances behind football changing a lot after the Coronavirus fades – things are just too fragile for some lower league clubs at the moment.
Hopefully, Leeds will be in the top-flight and attracting investment, although as Smyth says, “Don’t forget the 49ers”!
In other Leeds United news, ‘OMG’, ‘Never felt so relieved’ – These Leeds fans react to ‘wonderful’ Sky Sports update