A number of Leeds United fans have been left rather concerned after it was revealed that the San Francisco 49ers have a deal in place to buy the Premier League club.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein and Phil Hay, the investment arm of the American football team has the option to take 100 percent control – including ownership of Elland Road – of Leeds, if they are willing to pay a total fee in excess of £400 million by January 2024.
The article adds that current owner Andrea Radrizzani sold 10 percent of the club to 49ers Enterprises in 2018 and that minority shareholding has since risen to 44 percent.
Will it be good for Leeds if the San Francisco 49ers buy their club?
Yes
No
Leeds correspondent Hay Tweeted the information out to his followers and it soon caught the eye of many worried supporters.
Here’s what these Leeds fans said
“This is terrifying. The money would be nice but would we be selling our soul? If Radz goes do Kinnear & Orta… then Bielsa?”
“Nooo! Can anyone name an example of where 100% American ownership has been a good thing!”
“Erm not quite sure on this one.”
“HUGE news today… @49ers looking to complete full takeover of @LUFC by 2024. Thoughts #LUFC fans?”
“Can’t say I’m delighted about it given American owners’ track records in the PL but I suppose that’s the world we’re in. No doubt ticket prices will rocket.”
“Hmm.”
There seems to be a strong amount of scepticism about how the change in owners could impact their club amongst the Leeds faithful.
Perhaps they are concerned by the poor relationship the American owners of Manchester United and Arsenal have with their club’s fans.
Indeed, according to a YouGov survey (via the Mirror) in August of this year, the Glazer’s and the Kroenke’s ownership had left their team’s respective supporters ‘overwhelmingly unhappy’.
In other news: ‘I wish he was joking but he isn’t’, ‘Get a grip’ – Many Leeds fans react to Bielsa comments