Leeds takeover fight with Middle East consortium keen to rival NFL side San Francisco 49ers for control of Prem club
LEEDS’ expected takeover by the San Francisco 49ers faces last minute opposition from a consortium in the Middle East, according to reports.
An agreement is in place for the NFL Franchise to take full control of the club in January 2024.
However, this is now under threat after it emerged an unnamed third-party was now interested in the club.
According to the Daily Mail, a group based in the Middle East are weighing up a bid for the Whites.
Their interest is understood to be in the “very early” stages, and any tangible interest is yet to determined.
In 2021, the 49ers, led by Leeds vice-chairman Paraag Marathe, agreed a deal worth £475million to gradually increase their stake in Leeds before taking complete control of the club at the start of 2024.
This deal would also include ownership of Elland Road.
It is dependant on Leeds retaining their status as a Premier League outfit, though if this caveat is fulfilled then the takeover should be a formality.
Marathe first shook hands with Leeds chairman and current majority shareholder Andrea Radrizzani for investment back in 2018 when he took a 10 per cent stake.
Radrizzani himself bought the club for £45m in 2017.
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But after promotion to the top flight under Marcelo Bielsa in 2020, the value of the club has understandably skyrocketed.
However, Leeds have not always had a smooth run of things since their return to the top flight, and are once again embroiled in a relegation battle.