Red Bull make new English move in worrying sign for Leeds United fans
Leeds United fans have a right to be perplexed after part-owners Red Bull signed up to a partnership with Newcastle United.
Newcastle confirmed on 3 September that Red Bull would become the official energy drinks partner at St. James’ Park, citing the club’s “ever-growing digital presence”.
The Austrian conglomerate’s second foray into English football circles comes just months after becoming minority investors at Elland Road, as well as agreeing to a record-breaking shirt sponsorship deal [Last Word on Sports, 30 May].
Although their relationship with Newcastle is only as a partner, fans in LS11 will be surprised to see Red Bull exploring deals with other clubs despite their investment in the Peacocks.
Red Bull scrutiny will only grow amongst Leeds United fans
The waves of fanfare surrounding Red Bull’s investment in the club was pitched as a potential difference-maker in the then-upcoming summer transfer window, but that proved to be anything but the case.
Billed as a partnership which would bring enough financial capital to Elland Road for United not only to be promoted but to compete at the highest level, Red Bull and the 49ers Enterprises have instead overseen a difficult summer.
Archie Gray’s £40million sale to Tottenham was greenlit to calm profit and sustainability concerns from the EFL [The Athletic, 3 September], but further high-profile departures have cast doubt over the hierarchy in LS11.
Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter both having release clauses triggered give off a sense of same old at Elland Road [LeedsLive, 16 August], particularly after the latter was sold with the season underway.
Therefore, scrutiny over what exactly Red Bull’s investment has brought – other than their logo on the front of the club’s shirts – will be at an all-time high, and their entry into a partnership with another club will leave Leeds fans questioning the ulterior motives of the energy drinks giants.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have secured the pre-contract signing of a teenage starlet who’ll have to bide his time for a debut.
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