Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani has indicated that a sale of the club may be more imminent than previously thought.
As noted in an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera [via James Marshment at TeamTalk], Radrizzani believes that the club would benefit from additional resources and finances from other investors, and he is open to a change.
“I want to operate as a private equity in sport. Yes, perhaps Leeds can grow further, but in the future, they will need more resources to be able to reach higher levels and compete with the best clubs in the Premier League.” the current Leeds owner told Corriere della Sera.
“As a result I believe that, due to the history of the club and the respect I have for the fans, it is right to let those who can invest more than me go forward, and bring them to the glory of the past. There is also a design aspect: this is my sixth year, change is healthy.”
As reported by The Times in November, the consortium behind NFL franchise San Francisco 49ers are gearing up to a full takeover of Leeds United.
The 49ers bought an initial 15% stake in the club in 2018 for a reported £10 million, before increasing their stake to 44% in 2021 and agreeing a 2024 buy-out option with Radrizzani.
Radrizzani bought the club in 2017 from Massimo Cellino. His tenure as Leeds owner has seen the Whites return to the Premier League after a 16-year absence, and once again bring the Elland Road stadium back under the ownership of the club.
The Italian businessman has expressed his interest in the purchase of Italian Serie A club Salernitana. However, their recent change of ownership has led to him looking elsewhere in Italy, potentially continuing a partnership with the 49ers. Earlier this year, he sold his sports media company Eleven Sports to the global sports entertainment giant DAZN.