The Athletic’s Phil Hay has delivered an exciting claim surrounding the 49ers Enterprises recent investment in Leeds United…
What’s the word?
Speaking on this week’s episode of ‘The Phil Hay’ podcast, the ever-reliable journalist said:
“From what I’m told about the 49ers’ latest investment that’s taken them up from 37% to 44%, so an increase of 7% but it’s also the second investment of the year.
“There was the much bigger investment back in January, it was done in December but announced in January, that took them much closer to 50%, which everybody sees as the kind of magic number for the switch from Radrizzani to the 49ers.
“From what I’m told this has been planned for a while and we’ve spoken about it on a few podcasts about the fact that this was potentially coming and the expectation was that the transfer of shares would continue.
“The indication is that it doesn’t necessarily change the plan for January, but it does provide an injection of cash and you would think that they would be better placed now to do something in January if they need to.”
January boost?
The Yorkshire giants have spent pretty well in the transfer market since their return to Premier League football, signing no fewer than ten players for a total in the region of £150m.
In the summer, Andrea Radrizzani and co broke the club’s record transfer with the £30m arrival of Dan James from Manchester United.
Other reports have suggested that the Italian supremo does not have the funds to continue to keep the Whites on this upward trajectory – there are plans to expand Elland Road and they will need to keep spending in the transfer market to remain competitive in the big time.
“Leeds have spoken about expanding Elland Road to 50,000-60,000 capacity – that is going to cost money,” recently revealed finance expert Kieran Maguire to the ‘Price of Football’ podcast.
He added: “I don’t think Radrizzani has those resources himself whereas the 49ers are more likely to be able to tap into American markets for that so you can see the logic of what they’ve done.”
It’s easy to see why the Leeds owner has seen his total shares decrease from 100% to just 56% in the space of just a few years, and that could continue.
But that is a hugely encouraging thing for the club and as Hay mentions, the club are now better placed to do something in January.
Considering Marcelo Bielsa’s side find themselves at the wrong end of the table in 15th, just three points above the relegation zone, it could be a much-needed boost.
They would have wanted to build on last season’s ninth-place finish, so there is plenty of work still left to do on the pitch and that can be bolstered by this fresh cash injection ahead of the winter window.
Therefore, the Elland Road faithful must be absolutely delighted and excited by this big claim from Hay.
AND in other news, Leeds suffer fresh injury blow this international break, Marcelo Bielsa will be fuming…
