When Indiana Jones took a sword to the rickety bridge in Temple of Doom, he at least had the decency to warn Shorty to grab hold before delivering the fatal blow. Paraag Marathe and Angus Kinnear had no such warning as Andrea Radrizzani shuffled out to the splintered link preserving Leeds United fan relations by a thread.
After sacking Marcelo Bielsa, presiding over several poor transfer windows, failing to sack Jesse Marsch sooner, hiring Sam Allardyce, relegation, pursuing Sampdoria and then failing to acknowledge United’s ownership struggle, supporters were just about done by Wednesday night. Then the swing of the sword landed on Thursday morning via The Athletic.
Radrizzani had, reportedly, filed a proposal which used Elland Road, United’s heart, as security against a £26m loan he needed to buy Sampdoria. In other words: he was exploring the possibility of risking United’s home in order for him to pursue an entirely new club.
READ MORE: Andrea Radrizzani's 'behaviour is appalling' claims damning statement on his Leeds United future
Even with club sources suggesting the proposal was never pushed through, the temerity to even consider it as an option has sent any residual goodwill to the crocs in the canyon. If there were any supporters open to another season of Radrizzani on Thursday morning, you can be sure they were wearing Brock Purdy jerseys by lunchtime.
If Radrizzani is at the point where he would be best advised to give Leeds a wide berth for the foreseeable future, you wonder where he’s at with the boardroom. Relations with Marathe are already likely to have grown tense with the natural opposition that comes with a business negotiation, but Kinnear, the man trying to keep the club moving forward in the Italian’s absence, must have major reservations about being blindsided in this way.
There can be no way back for Radrizzani as a present, hands-on owner in Leeds. Supporters will never forgive or forget this blatant disregard for their heritage and heart, especially when added to the list of problems they already saw.
However hard Radrizzani looks to play these ongoing talks with 49ers Enterprises, this pursuit of a loan with Banca Sistema should embolden the American group. However the Sampdoria investment breaks down between Radrizzani and Matteo Manfredi, there is, or was, a clear need for a fresh injection of money to grease the wheels.
If Radrizzani needs money for this Genoese project, he knows where he can find it. Marathe, Peter Lowy et al are ready and willing to hand over tens of millions of pounds. All they ask, like the fans of Leeds United, is he steps away from Elland Road for good.
The relationship with the supporters is over. His business relationship with the board is damaged. His foot is in the door at Sampdoria. There is a summer ahead both clubs desperately need to reset their fortunes.
Just do the deal, Andrea. It’s over.
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