Kieran Maguire cites Lionel Messi as Leeds United plot revealed
Leeds United can utilise their new celebrity investors to increase the club’s attractiveness to commercial partners.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who exclusively told Football Insider that Leeds’ board will look to emulate the commercial success of Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami debut.
The Argentine star made his MLS debut on Saturday (22 July) in front of a packed-out DRV PNK Stadium filled with celebrities and stars from the United States.
Following the 49ers’ takeover of Leeds this month, it has been revealed that Michael Phelps, Jordan Speith, Justin Thomas, Larry Nance, Myles Jack, TJ McConnell, Erik Johnson and Gabriel Landeskog have all invested in the club.
The Whites have already grown their popularity in the United States after hiring Jesse Marsch and signing the likes of Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Brenden Aaronson in recent seasons.
But Maguire believes Leeds can grow their popularity in the US even further through celebrity endorsement.
“Leeds United’s board will have seen the celebrity endorsements that arose when Lionel Messi made his debut for Inter Miami,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“They see the commercial benefits of having celebrity relationships and will be wanting to achieve similar things with their club.
“They are a big fish in the EFL pond and have the potential to be a medium-sized fish in the Premier League.
“There is an element of forward planning in terms of getting celebrities to endorse the club this season.
“Getting social media interactions and eyeballs is so important and it is attractive to commercial partners.“
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