Leeds United news as 49ers takeover verdict shared on Javi Gracia future
Javi Gracia is very much preoccupied with securing Leeds United Premier League status but his own future has been cast into doubt ahead of the expected 49ers takeover.
As reported yesterday on MOT Leeds News, the club is on the verge of wholesale change but the next chapter will be determined by what division the team will be playing in next season.
Consolidation of the Whites top-flight position would allow an immediate kick-start for the new regime but Ben Jacobs has reported there is no guarantee that Gracia will still be in the dugout at the start of next season, regardless of the ownership situation.
In that regard, nothing has changed since the Spanish coach arrived at Elland Road in February.
The flexible contract that the official club website referred to is an indication of the short-term priority and remit of keeping the club in the Premier League.
Jacobs of US-based outlet CBS told Give Me Sport in line with the time frame of 49ers Enterprises taking the reigns in full: “However, Gracia’s future at the end of the season was always up in the air, regardless of whether 49ers Enterprises are in full control.”
Fluid.
With the 49ers already holding a significant minority stake in the club, they will be well versed on the contractual situation of Gracia so in that sense it is business as normal.
For the former Watford boss, the end of the season will allow him to assess his own status and sit down with the hierarchy to plot a way forward.
In line with the flexible contract, it could be that Leeds retain an option to extend Gracia’s terms if they desire or they can choose to go in a different direction, especially if the San Francisco-based owners in waiting are wanting a fresh start with a longer-term view of their own.
The best thing that Javi Gracia can do is to plot a satisfactory end to the campaign, ensuring a Premier League stay for Leeds and with it, a legacy and reputation would be secured with the fans even if he is not to remain at the club.
In other news, Leeds United could be at risk with an important update now overdue.