Kieran Maguire issues Leeds United takeover verdict as Andrea Radrizzani signs off on deal
Andrea Radrizzani is in no hurry to sell Leeds United and a spike in his external wealth is unlikely to impact any future takeover deal.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about when might be the opportune moment for the Italian businessman to cash out.
Radrizzani first bought into then-Championship side Leeds in 2017, but he since has ceded 44 per cent of his stake to the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers.
It has been widely reported that the NFL franchise has the option for a full buyout before the end of 2024.
Radrizzani made his millions in sports media and has just signed off on a deal to sell streaming firm Eleven Sports to the DAZN Group, as announced on Tuesday (27 September).
No official figures have been released but, as the firm’s annual revenue exceeds £10m, the sale is likely to net Radrizzani a sizable sum.
The 48-year-old has joined the board at DAZN as part of the agreement.
But Maguire does not anticipate that this seismic change in Radrizzani’s business portfolio will affect when he might sell his remaining Leeds equity.
“I think Radrizzani enjoys his relationship with both Leeds and Leeds fans, so he is in no hurry to sell,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“He is also keen to see Leeds return to the top half of the table, which will enhance the potential sale value.
“He also knows he can extract a bit more from the 49ers with the fall in the value of the pound, which is making the deal better from an American investors’ perspective.
“You can have a win-win. He could charge a slightly higher sterling price and the 49ers can buy at a lower dollar price.
“So, I think he is waiting for macroeconomic developments in the UK. The pound has now returned to pre-Kwasi Kwarteng, rabbit-out-of-the-hat rates.
“From Radrizzani’s point of view, he took a punt on Leeds when they were in the Championship, he is entitled to try and extract value on his exit.”
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