Leeds United fans will be more than well aware of the ongoing speculation linking Qatari Sports Investments with having a potential plan to invest alongside Andrea Radrizzani and the possible ramifications of being able to boast a tie with French giants Paris Saint-Germain.
“Oh God Here We Go Again” – This Story Is Getting Old For These Leeds Fans Now
The story first established itself in the press during the summer but even amongst the more reliable journalists that cover the club, there was claim and counterclaim and a good sense of ‘nothing to see here’. It seems that may have changed in the last week as Radz has spoken himself about whittling potential investment down to just three interested parties, and Nasser Al-Khelaifi’s group continued to be one of them – maybe even the preferred option owing to their friendship.
Speaking to The Times recently, Radz stated, amongst other things.
“The option of Qatar Sports Investment and Nasser – first of all they are friends, we have had a good relationship for a long time. Secondly, they have the possibility to bring this club to compete with Manchester City, so for the fans that could be a fantastic opportunity.”
Qualifying on social media on Monday that fans shouldn’t expect a quick resolution here and such a deal may in fact not occur until we are back in the Premier League.
Thanks Andrea – I've made it clear in the article that you will move only when the time is right
— Martyn Ziegler (@martynziegler) October 14, 2019
Naturally, given how long this rumour has now been doing the rounds plenty of fans are sceptical, with others being excited and thinking that our owner is doing the correct thing here in being open to such investment and the potential club tie in that it would bring.
Bit harsh. Radz has done more than many for this club. It was an Interview for the centenary. Can’t folks get their heads round this?
— David Rogerson (@DavidRogerson) October 14, 2019
Greed ????????????♂️
— birstallwhite (@birstallwhite) October 14, 2019
Why mention QSI then if negotiations aren’t happening! pic.twitter.com/kJgCPUlLt0
— We Are Leeds ???? ???? (@UnitedLufcFans) October 14, 2019
Absolutely don’t agree! He has turned the club around and I think anyone who thinks money is the answer hasn’t really noticed the transformation that Bielsa, under Radz, has brought about. We are, again, a club to be proud of.
— Richard Hamlyn (@RichieHamlyn) October 15, 2019
Got to love what radz has done with the club, defo needs to invest in january though if were serious about promotion
— OxleyLufc (@OxleyLufc) October 15, 2019
Andrea you have done an amazing job with our beloved leeds a. And we all should be grateful you have saved us from a mad man.
Investment is the only way forward. Better than borrowing and us ending up in debt. We trust you. And support you and know you will do whats best 4 Lufc— Michael Yates (@Michael71756001) October 14, 2019
Hes spent 90mill on keeping us going 40 mill of wages i think hes doing his best with what hes got
— Ross David Shetliffe (@RShetliffe) October 14, 2019
He forked out £17m of his own cash to buy back Elland Road immediately after he was appointed and the team has gone from mid-table mediocrity to favourites to win the Championship with a top class manager… all without indenting the club. He is doing a good job so far.
— Tom Rolo (@tom_rolo) October 14, 2019
He,s holding the club back now.
— Fletch. Lufc. ALAW (@Davefle43086532) October 14, 2019
As long as the speculation is there, the split in sections of the fanbase will continue but what rarely ever features here is the true specifics of Financial Fair Play, and until that changes or we play the game like other clubs have, investment now will not lead to an immediate £50million warchest come January as some fans seem to think would be the case.
It may sound counterproductive, but investment and strength upon promotion would be more key than investment ahead of promotion – we have to be savvier to begin with.
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