Leeds United

Leeds United: Rory Smith tips San Fransisco 49ers to boost club

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New York Times journalist Rory Smith has predicted that Leeds United will be bought out by the San Fransisco 49ers. 

As things stand, the club’s status as a Premier League outfit is currently hanging in the balance. Indeed, with just one game left to play this season, the Whites sit one place and one point above the relegation zone – but the team below them, Burnley, have a game in hand, as do Everton.

No doubt, fans will be fretting about the future of their team and Smith has echoed this sentiment, stating that a ‘major overhaul’ is needed for the squad if they do want to remain part of England’s elite going forward.

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However, while speaking 5 Live Sport’s The Monday Night Club, the journalist said he expects this will not be a problem as they could well be bought out by the 49ers – who currently own a 44% share in the club.

Smith said (via MOT Leeds News): “I worry to some extent if they stay up because I think what has become clear is that there is a major overhaul of that squad is needed.

“But I don’t worry, because I think they might get bought out by the San Fransisco 49ers.”

TIF Thoughts on Leeds…

49ers Enterprises – which is the investment arm of NFL franchise the San Francisco 49ers – initially bought a 15% stake in Leeds in 2018, but their shareholding has increased in the years since (via The Athletic).

One advantage of the enterprise having more ownership of the Yorkshire club is that Leeds have received a ‘cash injection’ as a result.

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This is why Smith is saying his fears are eased by the idea of a possible complete buyout, which is expected to take place in the coming years. With the Whites needing a squad overhaul, Jesse Marsch’s project will need financial backing. If 49ers Enterprises can come in with that wealth, a number of key signings could then be made to improve the quality of the team.

With all that in mind, the future of the club will of course still depend on whether or not they can stay up, but the actions of their shareholders could also play a definitive role in the make-up of the team for many years to come.

In other news: ‘Body language is all off’ – Journalist ‘not a fan’ of what Leeds ace did

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