Simon Jordan drops verdict on Will Ferrell Leeds United investment at Elland Road
Simon Jordan has reacted to news that Will Ferrell has become a minority investor at Leeds United and believes it’s a good thing for the game.
The Hollywood actor was revealed to have purchased a minority stake in the Whites via the San Francisco 49ers, joining a list of celebrity investors in the club including Michael Phelps and Russell Crowe.
Writing in his column for the Daily Mail (9 May), talkSPORT host Jordan believes the investment can only be a good thing since it will help the club’s image in America and across the world in a similar way to how Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have at Wrexham.
“Will Ferrell, with his newly-acquired minority stake in Leeds United, is the latest Hollywood star after Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to invest in our game and their presence in English football naturally creates headlines and generates clicks,” he wrote.
“Ferrell’s investment is further proof that sport is now undeniably part of the entertainment industry.
“I don’t really see it as anything sinister or concerning. As long as the identity of the football club is preserved, then having celebrity fans like Ferrell who wish to invest is surely a positive.
“In this day and age of digital content, famous football fans or investors help with engagement and recognisability so if Ferrell is running around America as a Leeds shareholder, the club will, as proven by Wrexham, be more visible. That can’t be a bad thing.”
Leeds United could become a global force
The Whites are one of the biggest clubs in England, even if they are playing in the Championship, but there is so much room for growth.
Elland Road is an iconic stadium in the world of football and there is great history within the club, but the 49ers know about the potential they can unlock with investment and improvements.
There is talk of revamping Elland Road to make it bigger and better, and by raising the profile of the club around the world with investments like Ferrell’s they’re going to be able to justify the bigger stadium and attract more neutrals too.
The next step has to be a return to the Premier League, whether that is this season via the playoffs or next season, and while they’re building to get there every little will help.
For once Jordan has an opinion that isn’t out of the gutter. Ferrell’s investment in the Whites can only be a good thing.
In other Leeds news, one winger is set to leave Elland Road permanently this summer.
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