Steinsson in talks to hire new manager as Leeds respond to Farke sack talk
Daniel Farke remains uncertain whether he will be allowed to continue with Leeds United in the Premier League.
Leeds finally secured their return to the top flight of English football on Easter Monday (21 April) and have two Championship fixtures remaining to try and hit the 100-point barrier.
However, Farke’s future has been thrown into doubt by reports 49ers Enterprises could part ways with the German straight after promotion, citing his unconvincing record in the Premier League with previous club Norwich City.
49ers Enterprises in talks with new managers amid Leeds doubt
Gretar Steinsson was the technical director at Leeds but moved across to the wider ownership group, the financial arm of NFL powerhouse San Francisco 49ers.
The Icelander now works directly with Paraag Marathe, who is currently part of an American consortium in advanced talks to take over Scottish giants Rangers.
And Leeds United have now responded to suggestions that Steinsson had already been looking to hire Farke’s replacement.
| Daniel Farke – promotions in England | Year |
| Norwich City | 2019 |
| Norwich City | 2021 |
| Leeds United | 2025 |
The Athletic’s Beren Cross (25 April) spoke of how sources had indicated that Steinsson was already in dialogue with potential new managers from across Europe. However, Leeds have responded, clarifying that this was to replace Rangers’ interim boss Barry Ferguson at Ibrox, rather than Farke at Elland Road.
“Sources have told The Athletic that [Gretar] Steinsson has been having conversations with managerial candidates from across the continent,” Cross explained.
“Steinsson shifted from his role as technical director at Leeds to the same role across 49ers Enterprises.
“49ers Enterprises are aiming to purchase a stake in Rangers, and Leeds insisted that Steinsson’s conversations were in relation to hiring a new manager at Rangers.”
Former Rangers captain Ferguson is currently the Glaswegians’ short-term manager, with the seemingly outgoing Ibrox regime having sacked Philippe Clement back in February following poor results.
Farke appears unconcerned and has huge summer plans
Farke appears unmoved by the reports over his future, having ticked off the non-negotiable objective he was tasked with by Marathe and 49ers.
The 48-year-old is now preparing for the Championship clash at Elland Road with Bristol City on Monday (28 April), which is bound to be a carnival atmosphere with many Leeds fans likely still in a celebratory mood.
Farke’s role is manager rather than head coach with the Whites, meaning he has greater autonomy over transfers than many of his opposite numbers.
It appears he is keen to overhaul much of the squad to ensure it is ready for the Premier League. It would certainly save his job if it were to work, should he be given the chance in the first place.