San Francisco 49ers ‘desperate’ to increase minority stake in Leeds – report
The San Francisco 49ers are “desperate” to increase their minority stake in Leeds United, according to the Sun.
The NFL franchise currently holds a 10% stake at Elland Road, something they paid £11million for back in 2018.
Paraag Marathe, president of the 49ers, is also on the board of the Whites and has a good friendship with Andrea Radrizzani.
Marathe spoke out about his stake in Leeds recently and claimed that the 49ers are currently passengers, and want to be more involved.
“This is not a club where we made it to the Premier League and we are barely trying to hang on by the laces of our shoes. No. This is a club which can become a big contender year in, year out in the Premier League,” he said.
This is exactly the attitude that Radrizzani will want from his board members, with there being great harmony behind the scenes in West Yorkshire.
The Sun claimed Marathe is constantly in contact with Radrizzani, and this could be the start of a great partnership between the two further down the line.
Chief executive, Angus Kinnear has also spoken out about the future of the 49ers partnership at Leeds and claimed there was always a possibility for more.
“The 49ers have been part of those conversations. Over the next 12 months, we’ll see further investment that will give Leeds the chance to kick on at the highest level.”
Radrizzani has made it no secret that he would like further investment, and that led to the links with Paris Saint-Germain owners, QSI.
The 49ers have been involved since the beginning of this journey, and it will be no surprise to see them increase their stake in the next year.
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