Golf star Jordan Spieth has lifted the lid on the 49ers takeover at Leeds United as supporters await confirmation from the EFL. The American professional has confirmed he will become an investor with a minority stake in the club as part of 49ers Enterprises investment at Elland Road, alongside fellow golf pro' and close friend Justin Thomas.
The two Major winners and USA Ryder Cup stars have spoken previously about making an investment into a football club, and along with fellow golf star Rickie Fowler the trio had revealed their intentions of buying a stake of 49ers Enterprises' ownership of the Whites.
49ers Enterprises agreed a deal with Andrea Radrizzani to take full control of the club last month and the deal is currently with the EFL as they scrutinise the takeover before giving it the all clear. The wait and silence from the EFL is due to the amount of investors involved in the deal, with football's governing body having to put prospective investors through the strict Owners’ and Directors’ Test.
Spieth claims he and fellow golfer Justin Thomas are both involved, but Rickie Fowler has pulled out of proceedings. Speaking to Sky Sports, Spieth said: "It's done. Myself and Justin (Thomas) with a minority stake. The 49ers beat my Cowboys every year, so if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!
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"They (49ers) renegotiated after relegation and it was possibly a better deal - as long as they can get promoted soon. I'm excited to have a team I'm emotionally invested in. I've watched The Premier League intently for a few years. Hopefully we'll be back there very soon.
Speith and Thomas are in the UK at present as the golfers prepare for the forthcoming Open Championship in Liverpool later this month, and the soon-to-be part owner of Leeds is hoping to get the chance to visit his new club. “It was cloudy on the flight up (from London — at Wimbledon). We were hoping we'd see the stadium on the way up but we couldn't," added Speith speaking ahead of the Scottish Open.
"I was thinking we're not too far from Liverpool (at The Open) next week. I don't know if it'll work on this trip but I hope to get there. We thought it would be a cool opportunity. It's a big city, historic club, great venue in Elland Road, and once we looked into it we realised it could be really exciting."
