Leeds United’s potential takeover by the owners of the San Francisco 49ers could reportedly be completed by the end of the week.
The future of Leeds’ ownership has been uncertain ever since the relegation from the Premier League was confirmed. Leeds finished 19th in the English top flight to drop down to the Championship after three seasons in the top flight.
An agreement had reportedly been reached prior to Leeds’ relegation that would see a takeover completed to 49ers Enterprises for around £400million. However, following the result of the season, negotiations have been taking place over a new - and lower - price.
According to The Telegraph, there is 'confidence' over a deal to formally complete the takeover by the end of this week. It’s been reported that 49ers Enterprises, who already own 44 percent of the club, value Leeds at approximately £170m following the team’s relegation from the Premier League.
The article states that, should everything go smoothly in the coming days, a deal should be completed by the end of the week. It would see Radrizzani’s six-year spell as owner of Leeds come to an end.
Leeds are going through a large period of uncertainty, following the exits of manager Sam Allardyce and director of football Victor Orta. A number of names have been rumoured to be under consideration to be the new boss at Elland Road, including Liverpool legend and former Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard.
After Leeds were confirmed as being relegated from the Premier League, Radrizzani issued a statement apologising to the club’s supporters “The last few days have been very difficult for everyone associated with Leeds United,” said Radrizzani, in a statement on Twitter.
“I find it very hard to find the right words to say, other than to apologise to all of our fans for the club’s relegation. I am sincerely sorry for how this season has unfolded.
“We have made significant investments to try to keep Leeds United in the Premier League, but in working hard to improve the club, we have also obviously made some mistakes.
“We are reflecting on the decisions that we have taken to ensure we learn the lessons to improve our club and make progress in the future.
“Leeds supporters deserve more than this. You understand the journey on which we have embarked, and I hope that once the anger and disappointment has subsided you will see that we can come back stronger.
“We have invested heavily in Leeds United since 2017 and worked hard to get back to where the club deserves to be. With the support of our partners, we can continue that journey to bounce back.
“I am proud of the progress we have made in recent years. We have become a club that can attract exciting players, we are strong commercially, we have seen improvements to the academy, introduced a women’s side and so much more. In many ways the club has been transformed and we are committed and determined to continue on this journey.”
