Every cloud has a silver lining, or so the adage goes. For Leeds United fans, the cloud they were worrying about involved a difficult transfer window ahead. That came from the mouth of club owner Andrea Radrizzani.
The silver lining to that cloud emerged last night with news of a potential investment from Qatari Sports Investment (QSI) acting on behalf of the state of Qatar. The Financial Times article said that QSI were looking at upwards of a “controlling interest” in the West Yorkshire club.
Leeds fans, hopeful of some form of added investment in the club, began to comment about what they hoped lay ahead. The frustration felt at having an owner-imposed barrier seemingly placed on player progress was all too evident, fans wanted to will this investment over the line.
However, this kind of investment could not be used to augment the playing ranks through the transfer market as such a move would contravene FFP regulations. Instead, the investment was seen to be one that would allow Radrizzani to investigate a different, alternative path to adding strength and depth to the squad at Elland Road.
What might throw more than a little shade on the proceedings is that, despite what the Financial Times article’s co-authors think, Leeds United might not be the ideal club that QSI are looking for. The following from Ben Jacobs seems to lay out this proposal.
QSI not denying (or confirming) they’re in talks with #LUFC. Club already has partnership with Aspire. However, QSI have TWICE rejected chance to invest in Leeds, both before GFH took over & after. Leeds’ history is of appeal, but QSI like ‘modern’ clubs with full infrastructure
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) May 25, 2019
Jacobs is a senior journalist and commentator with BeIN Sports, a writer for ESPN and the Middle East correspondent for Talk Sport. With his level of expertise, and the fact that he is based in the region, what he says carries some gravitas.
His comments that Leeds United might not be on QSI’s radar due to the fact the latter “like modern clubs with full infrastructure” was bound to be like a red rag to a bull. That proved to be the case and he’s received more than his fair share of pelters for that.
Jacobs then goes on to pour more scorn on the QSI investment links with the following.
Personally, don’t think enough has changed at #LUFC for talks to turn into investment. Promotion could have changed that. But QSI don’t just look at potential but foundations. #LUFC fan base is of appeal. Q22’s Hassan Al Thawadi studied in Sheffield & has a soft spot for Leeds…
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) May 25, 2019
… but he’s not involved or decision maker in this context. If QSI do invest in an English club, think will be one they can mould a bit more easily. Their strategy (& I have seen it) specifically says they want “modern clubs with adaptable facilities”. Doesn’t sound like Leeds
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) May 25, 2019
He then elaborates on what he says QSI are looking for in a club when they press forward with investment…
That’s not to say talks aren’t worthwhile or #LUFC doesn’t have huge potential & amazing fans. It’s more to explain QSI see value in a club on the field & as a fluid brand. PSG, for example, are about football, fashion & Parisian culture. That helps when you want global exposure
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) May 25, 2019
…before then going on to say that, despite all this, an investment deal might not actually be dead in the water.
However contact between #QSI and #LUFC is not being denied. Again talks don’t mean investment will happen, but it does illustrate Leeds’ history and seemingly the past season hold some weight. Still not convinced #LUFC is the right fit for QSI, but watch this space…
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) May 25, 2019