Graham Smyth makes big San Fran 49ers claim as incident makes ‘eyebrows shoot up’ at Leeds
Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth has said that the San Fran 49ers must be considering a full takeover at Leeds.
He was talking after billionaire Peter Lowy was added to the Leeds United board last week.
Lowy was at the last game of the season and Smyth said that his entry onto the board made “most eyebrows shoot up”.
Smyth said that Leeds are in good shape with “three potential sources of wealth in the boardroom”. Lowy, who comes from a billionaire family, is a Leeds fan and a big investor in the 49ers Enterprises.
Talking on the latest episode of the Inside Elland Road podcast Smyth said, “The real big hitters were in the boardroom [last Sunday]. Peter Lowy, a lifelong supporter of Leeds, from a family with wealth in the billions rather than millions.
“From that kind of ‘we could buy this place tomorrow without doing due diligence’ kind of wealth, and also a family who have previously investigated buying Leeds United.
“I’d love to know what his future plans and intentions are. Is he happy to just be here and to be a part of it, or do his family want to finish what they started and look into taking over?
“Also, the fact that he’s come in with the 49ers is interesting. I know Andrea Radrizzani had another couple of allies added to the board, but Lowy is the one who made most eyebrows shoot up.
“Now Leeds have three potential sources of wealth in the boardroom. I think the interesting thing is how long Andrea Radrizzani plans to be in charge and the major owner.
“Whether he sees it as long term or if he’s starting to think of an exit plan. You have to believe the 49ers are considering whether they’re the people to run this ship. And Lowy as well, what’s he thinking about the cub and where he lies in Leeds’ future? Leeds are in good shape though. There are enough people involved with significant means involved now.”
Lucky Leeds
Leeds fans are among the luckiest in the Premier League.
In Radrizzani, they’ve got an owner they love who seems to be doing all the right things on and off the pitch.
He brought Bielsa in and got Leeds back into the Premier League. That’s cemented his legacy at the club.
He’s done more than that, though. In the San Fran 49ers, he’s found a billionaire partner with the club’s best interests at heart, too.
They’re talking a great game as they get more involved with the club.
We can’t see Radrizzani leaving yet. He seems to be enjoying his time at Leeds but he is a businessman and he will likely have an exit plan in mind.
When that happens, the 49ers are surely favourites to increase their stake and take control. The addition of Lowy on the board does add an extra dimension, though, despite him coming in with the 49ers investment.
In other Leeds United news, Leeds set to table £26m offer for standout 25yo as cash-stricken club will drop price – reports