Phil Hay calls Red Bull sponsorship deal for Leeds United the ‘most risky’ for fanbase
Leeds United are the “most risky club” in England for Red Bull to strike a front-of-shirt sponsorship deal with, according to Phil Hay.
The long-time Leeds reporter appeared on the Square Ball Podcast [30 May, 7m28s] to examine the intricacies of the global energy drink company’s purchase of a minority stake in the club from majority owners, 49ers Enterprises.
The deal also includes Red Bull becoming the club’s primary shirt sponsor from next season – a lucrative opportunity for the Championship outfit, but one shrouded in controversy due to the conglomerate’s dealings with Leipzig and Salzburg, and powerful presence in Formula One.
Hay commented: “Leeds United are almost about the most risky club you could go at with Red Bull.
“I would say it’s quite a traditional fanbase, who may be a little concerned.
“But, [Paraag] Marathe has said any of the main worries are out of the picture.”
The Red Bull worries of Leeds United fans
The concerns Hay refers to in the podcast are that Red Bull would follow the same trend of what they have done with RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg, rebranding and rewriting history of entire football clubs.
It’s claimed that there will be no discussions on the table regarding the change of the club name, shirt colours or stadium name – neither will there be a seat on the board available for a Red Bull representative.
Whilst these are reassuring words to read coming from Marathe and the board, any potential future buyout from Red Bull should they stick around long enough could risk putting paid to all of those non-negotiables set in place by 49ers.
The footballing controversy of Red Bull is widespread – fans in Salzburg launched a phoenix club after the drinks giant rebranded the club with a new foundation date of 2005, and the very presence of Leipzig representing Germany in the Champions League each year is taken to very sourly by the large majority of the nation’s supporters.
In similar ways to which Wimbledon were relocated to Milton Keynes and Vincent Tan once turned Cardiff City from blue to red, any step too far from Red Bull will be spat back at with ferocity from the fanbase at Elland Road.
In other Leeds news, the club are tracking a Premier League free agent midfielder.
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