Leeds United: 49ers can tap into American owners to seal January transfer deal for Connor Roberts
Leeds United have been linked with a move to sign Burnley full-back Connor Roberts in January, and the 49ers Enterprises can tap into their links with their American owners to help seal the deal.
Burnley’s majority shareholders are Velocity Sports Partners, the sports investment arm of U.S. management firm ALK Capital, and they also have investment from NFL legend JJ Watt. [The Guardian, 1 May]
This provides a direct link between the owners, with the Leeds owners well-known within the NFL for their ownership of the San Fransisco 49ers – with a relationship already existing between the NFL team and Watt.
This should provide an immediate base from which Leeds can look to negotiate a deal for Roberts after Sunday Mirror journalist Darren Witcoop reported that he is among the targets to replace Djed Spence and potentially Luke Ayling at Elland Road [5 January].
The right-back would be the perfect signing for Leeds, with his Championship experience likely to hand an extra element to the deal, as well as his clear talent likely to prove an upgrade on both Ayling and Spence.
Roberts also knows both Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon well from the Welsh national team, meaning he is unlikely to have any struggles settling into the squad and the dynamics in the dressing room which could prove crucial to a fast start in Yorkshire.
Leeds opted to terminate Spence’s loan deal and send him back to Tottenham, while Ayling’s deal expires at the end of the season as he could exit this month as Leeds look to refresh their squad, meaning a new defender will need to come in at Elland Road.
The Welshman has made just 12 appearances for Burnley so far this season, starting eight of those, and could look to leave Turf Moor in search of improved playing time – something he could be guaranteed at Leeds due to the lack of depth in his position.
If the 49ers can use their connections to help progress the deal, it would make plenty of sense for Leeds to make the most of that advantage in their pursuit of January transfer deals.
In other Leeds United news, the club could sign another Chelsea player in January.