Washington-linked political figure in consortium to buy Leeds United for £500m – Phil Hay
Phil Hay has revealed that the 49ers consortium is made up of ten different parties who are ready to commit funds to buy out Andrea Radrizzani’s stake in Leeds United.
49ers Enterprises have the option to purchase the West Yorkshire club in January 2024, though they have attempted to bring the buyout forward to the end of the 2022/23 campaign.
Hay has since revealed (The Athletic, 3 March) that ten differing-sized parties make up the consortium, with a US political figure also in the background.
“Our understanding from speaking to people involved is that the consortium it has put together includes around 10 different parties, each ready to commit between roughly £20million and £70million to the initial buyout — so bigger investors alongside smaller investors,” wrote Hay.
“It’s no secret that Peter Lowy is one of those involved. According to the information given to us last month, there is one US political figure with Washington links in the background.
“At least one of the parties in an investment firm. But the name above the door would be 49ers Enterprises, which is fronting the process.”
Uncertainty
The uncertainty over Leeds United’s Premier League status is almost certainly having an impact on when this deal will be concluded. The investment which has been made on the pitch indicates a club which didn’t anticipate a relegation battle.
The 49ers’ uncertainty has been hanging over Elland Road for far too long and the sooner a takeover is completed the better. The ideal scenario would be for Leeds to secure their Premier League survival and for the US consortium to take control in the summer.
This would allow for a full summer transfer window to support whoever may be in the dugout, further investment into the playing squad, and work to start on how to develop Elland Road further.
Should the worst happen and Leeds do fall back into the Championship, it will be interesting to see how it impacts the potential takeover. Owning a team in the second tier of English football is a completely different proposition.
In other Leeds United news, a Championship captain has offered his assistance to Gracia in starting life at Elland Road.
Be sure to follow MOT Leeds News on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date with all the latest, breaking news from Elland Road.