Kieran Maguire: Andrea Radrizzani is ‘tainted’ – and Leeds United fans are not happy
Andrea Radrizzani ‘tainted’ his reputation at Leeds United by leaving in controversial circumstances.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who spoke exclusively to Football Insider about how Leeds fans will view Radrizzani following his Elland Road departure.
The 49ers Enterprises completed a £170million takeover of the Yorkshire club last month after Radrizzani’s decision to sell the club to the American investment group.
Radrizzani bought a 100 per cent stake in Leeds in 2017 for £45million.
During his six years as chairman, he oversaw the club’s return to the Premier League in 2020 under fan-favourite Marcelo Bielsa.
However, the Italian left the club this summer shrouded in controversy after reportedly offering Elland Road as security for a bank loan used to complete his takeover of Sampdoria.
Maguire believes Radrizzani did provide stability during his tenure as Leeds owner, but admits his reputation among fanbases has been ‘tainted’ in recent months.
“Andrea Radrizzani did introduce some stability to Leeds United as the owner of the club,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“He brought Marcelo Bielsa to the club and they are the main positives from his tenure at Elland Road.
“He was looking for an exit route for a long time before selling the club to the 49ers Enterprises.
“While he probably enjoyed his time with Leeds helping the club back to the Premier League, his exit will be tainted.
“The drawn-out takeover coincided with what many Leeds fans considered him taking his eye off the ball during the club’s final months in the Premier League.”
In other news, Leeds and Southampton told £20m Joel Piroe bid will be accepted