It’s turning out to be a crazy day in the life of Leeds United yet again. American football franchise San Francisco 49ers have bought just over 10% in Leeds United today, with a partnership announced, as well as a new director.
The club have announced the deal as part of a new investment from the United States. The deal will see both clubs link up in various ways. There was investment of around £10 million to buy part of the club and it will benefit Leeds in the present. This is due to it being announced that money will go directly into the transfers for the current window, something that Leeds fans will welcome with open arms.
How far this investment could go we are unsure at the present but this is just one of many investment situations taken by American Football franchises in England.
Paraag Marathe has also been appointed to the board at Leeds United which is significant given his involvement and wealth. Andrea Radrizzani already had a relationship with the new direct prior to taking over at Leeds United and the pair will now work closely to try to benefit both parties.
It was revealed weeks ago that the club may be looking to outside investment, but nothing was concrete until today. To put the deal into some form of comparison, the 49ers were said to have a net worth of $3bn
San Francisco 49ers are a hugely popular NFL team, but have often struggled with expectation. The club needs to have a big window in order to achieve the goal of at least the play-offs next season and if this helps us on that path then nobody will complain.
We are already chasing the likes of Kyle Bartley, Abel Hernandez and Angus Gunn which are all big money so maybe the investment was always coming.
I will have more thoughts on this tonight once it’s been digested.
Below is a breakdown of how the deal has happened and how it will move forward.
Analysis of the 49ers deal – why Radrizzani has sold a stake in Leeds United and why the NFL franchise are entering English football:https://t.co/2rZ7HX1Yzo
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) May 24, 2018
