Talk of a Leeds United takeover re-emerged this week, with PSG owners QSI once again reported to be linked with the club after supposedly having talks with Andrea Radrizzani.
Our owner has now spoken out about the claims in a bid to clarify the situation, and though he has likely attempted to cool speculation and excitement that may have arisen, there are clues as to where future plans may lie.
The Italian has made no secret of the fact that he is keen to have additional investment placed into the club, as although he has done a fantastic job of managing things on and off the field, there has been a lack of investment at times – such as in January when we signed just two players, both on loan.
QSI’s interest is a positive given the finances available to them, and the fact noise connecting them to the club is yet to die down shows there is likely more to it than just a rumour.
Will QSI takeover the club?
Yes
No
In addition, Radrizzani is not hesitant to take on board additional partners. The fact he sold a 10% stake to 49ers Enterprises in 2018 and gave its chairman Paraag Marathe a place on the board is evidence of that, as are his recent comments.
Speaking to Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, he said:
“In the last few weeks everything took a back seat.
“My desire to have a great Leeds that is a protagonist in the Premier League and to do so we will need partners on top of the San Francisco 49ers, we’ll evaluate this when we are in that league.”
His words indicate that there is interest in doing business with an interested party – possibly QSI – and once the pandemic dies down there is potential for talks to resume.
Of course, by that stage the business and football climate will be in a totally different position, so it makes sense to wait, particularly as Leeds could be a Premier League outfit in a few months.