Leeds United’s plans for next season are in motion as they embark on a first top-flight campaign in over 16 years.
The Yorkshire giants will be officially crowned champions tomorrow night following the conclusion of their match against relegation-threatened Charlton Athletic.
And it appears as if chairman Andrea Radrizzani is already moving ahead off the pitch – though, chances of a QSI takeover seem slim.
Will Leeds be taken over in the next year?
Definitely
No way
BBC journalist Adam Pope relayed comments on Monday afternoon where the Italian businessman claimed that United would have a “clear vision” of stability for the next two-to-three years before gunning for Europe.
He also revealed that no deal with QSI has been done, but the chairman would always have his door open.
AR says the model will be more like Sheff Utd than Villa. Clear transfer budget in place (despite expected £30-40m revenue shortfall due to COVID-19). Further investment will come from his own company. No deal done with QSI but door is always open. #lufc
— Adam Pope (@apopey) July 20, 2020
Leeds’ links to Qatar Sports Investments have been mooted for well over a year now as the Paris Saint-Germain owners have seemingly wanted to expand their portfolio with the acquisition of an English club.
Last May, the Financial Times claimed they were ‘in talks’ to purchase a stake in the Whites, but that never came to fruition.
The club have been hit with a loss of between £30m and £40m due to the pandemic, so some further investment from wealthy backers like QSI would certainly be one way to boost their PL plans.
Radrizzani’s aim of stability for the first few seasons is a smart ploy as we’ve seen the likes of Fulham, Norwich City and Aston Villa falter at the first attempt and I’m not sure many of us at Elland Road could handle a return to the Championship having waited 16 years for this moment.