Leeds United options emerge for Andrea Radrizzani amid Elland Road £26m development
Andrea Radrizzani’s plan to use Elland Road as leverage in his bid to buy Sampdoria is not the only option for the Leeds United owner, according to Italian newspaper, 24 ORE.
The Athletic reported on 1 June that the Italian businessman attempted to use Leeds’ historic stadium as collateral in order to complete his takeover of the soon-to-be Serie B side. However, there is no indication of whether the deal went through.
24 ORE now report (print edition, pg 26, 2 June) that £26million loan against Elland Road is only one of the options currently being considered by the Leeds chief.
Remarkable
It’s been a remarkable couple of days at Elland Road – quite literally. Ultimately, Radrizzani does own the club and the stadium. He has the final say. Although it will upset many, he can do what he pleases with Elland Road. The issues come with the timing and the risk it could cause Leeds United long term.
The fact he’s picked this moment to potentially risk the club’s future is mind-blowing. For Leeds’ historical home to be dependent on Sampdoria getting back into the Serie A is fairly concerning. Radrizzani is a smart man and would probably back himself to sort both clubs out.
However, with the 49ers now looking to take control, the timing stinks. He should have sold up as soon as Leeds’ relegation was confirmed. The issues now surround the uncertainty and how that could impact the club’s preparations for the new campaign.
A new manager has to be put in place soon. A sporting director needs to be appointed and the ownership situation has to be sorted out as soon as possible.
In other Leeds United news, the future of one Whites-linked manager is now up in the air after a high-level resignation at his current club.