Leeds United’s confirmed deal with the San Francisco 49ers is worth in the region of between £8-£10million, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.
The Yorkshire Evening Post’s chief football writer has revealed on his personal Twitter account that the agreement, which saw pen put to paper over the investment on Thursday, is worth around 10-15 per cent of the club’s valuation, and cost the American business owners up to £10million.
as far as I know – the stake is between 10 and 15 per cent and cost £8m-£10m.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) May 24, 2018
? | Leeds United has today announced a strategic partnership with 49ers Enterprises, an investment entity affiliated with the @49ers
— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 24, 2018
The agreement, which Leeds say will result in increased investment into the club’s first team squad this summer, sees the Whites partner up with the business arm of the NFL franchise side, and will also welcome the President of 49ers Enterprises Paraag Marathe join the board at Elland Road.
Opinion
Leeds are a side looking ambitiously up the Championship table with hopes of a play off spot sometime soon but in reality, breaking the top six will not come without either a bucket load of investment or sensible spending on top quality targets. If Hay’s valuation is correct, then that £10million could be a big boost to the Whites’ hopes of sealing the talents they want to bring through the door at Elland Road this summer and push them on after a disappointing 13th place finish. Still, money is worth nothing if it is not spent on the right players and after seeing quantity rather than quality brought in 12 months ago, a change of tactic is needed and that may cost more than they were splashing out on their recruits last summer. Proven players demand a hefty fee and with funds limited at Leeds, picking and choosing where to invest will be the difference come the end of the campaign.