Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani has insisted he still dreams of guiding the club into Europe despite San Francisco 49ers Enterprises having the option to purchase a majority stake in 2024. The 49ers currently have a 44% stake in the Whites after agreeing to increase it from 37% in November last year.
That was the second time in 2021 that the 49ers had purchased shares from Radrizzani’s company Acer Ventures. In January they agreed to increase their stake by 15%, taking it from 22% to 37%.
At a valuation of $5.1 billion, the 49ers were named as the fifth most valuable franchise in the NFL recently and so clearly can provide Leeds with some decent backing. But Radrizzani has been no stranger to splashing the cash in recent years, either, forking out around £100 million in Leeds’ first year back in the Premier League.
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Speaking in an interview with the Athletic, Radrizzani reiterated his desire to take Leeds into Europe in the coming years, but did admit that talks will take place with the 49ers regarding their option to take a majority stake in 2024.
He said: “There is no need to change. I’m happy. I dream to bring this club to play in Europe and then I’m happy to leave — so still some work to do here. We are very good friends with the 49ers, they are a solid partner, they let you work in peace and they are supportive.
“In this moment, there is nothing under discussion. They have, as you know, an option to take a majority in 2024. Maybe before or at that moment, something will be discussed. At this moment, we are super happy.”
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