Andrea Radrizzani plans Leeds United escape as race against time emerges in Europe
Andrea Radrizzani is a man under pressure at present – and the Leeds United majority shareholder could well be planning his Elland Road escape.
The 49ers are set to take a majority stake at the Yorkshire club in January 2024, but it’s widely excepted that the prospective takeover could well be moved forward to the end of the 2022/23 season.
Furthermore, the Italian businessman could well be set to lose a significant portion of the club’s value if Leeds are relegated to the Championship. £150million if the Whites return to the second tier, £420million plus if Sam Allardyce keeps the club up.
There’s a lot on the line at present, and after the latest news on Tuesday 16 May, Radrizzani could well be plotting an Elland Road escape route. According to Italian newspaper, II Secolo (pg 43, print edition), the Leeds chief is interested in purchasing Serie A club, Sampdoria.
It’s understood there are other interested parties who are currently holding advanced negotiations, and that the Italian has just 13 days to register credible interest ahead of a shareholders meeting.
With the 49ers’ takeover now edging closer, could this be the Leeds owner preparing his next business venture? Inter Milan have previously been of interest, but perhaps Sampdoria would provide a more realistic opportunity.
Moving back to his home country away from the stresses of Elland Road could well be a good thing for the Leeds owner. He’s done so much for the club since his arrival but recent decisions have tarnished his reputation slightly.
He’s going to make a profit on his original investment into the club, but, whether it’s going to be ten times what he paid depends heavily on how the Whites fair over the next couple of weeks.
In other Leeds United news, an exit-bound senior player was spotted in tears after what happened recently.