Kieran Maguire: Leeds United relegation will cause ‘adjustment’ to 49ers takeover
The 49ers will still complete the takeover of Leeds United if they are relegated but after a “minor adjustment” in fee.
That is the opinion of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who spoke exclusively to Football Insider about the details behind Leeds United’s takeover plans.
Current Leeds majority owner Andrea Radrizzani has agreed a deal with the 49ers Enterprises that gives the American investors the option for a full takeover by January 2024.
However, Football Insider sources revealed last month (February 18) that the precise details of the 49ers takeover are yet to be finalised and agreed.
As reported by The Athletic, the 49ers Enterprises have not ruled out taking over at Elland Road even if Leeds were relegated to the Championship this season.
Maguire agrees that the 49ers will still complete a majority takeover if Leeds United are relegated, but believes it will cause an “adjustment” in the price.
“The potential acquisition of Leeds United by the 49ers Enterprises will not be dependent upon the division, there might just be a minor adjustment in fee,” Maguire told Football Insider.
“But the 49ers are looking at this as a long-term strategic investment.
“They’ll be looking for a return on that investment and their calculations will have been based on Leeds United being in the Premier League.
“It’s likely that there will be some form of lock-in between the two parties because they have been in negotiation for a long period of time and therefore Andrea Radrizzani will want to make sure that there’s a limited amount of risk.
“The 49ers will reflect on Leeds’ present position and an adjustment would have been made on a percentage basis for the likelihood of relegation and the expected length of time in the Championship.”
In other news, Leeds United chief Andrea Radrizzani in ‘bold’ move as £5bn+ bid readied