Kieran Maguire: Middle East group could gazump 49ers amid Leeds United takeover latest
The “size of the cheque” is the only thing that matters in the battle to buy Leeds United – and a group from the Middle East could gazump the San Franciso 49ers to secure a deal.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Andrea Radrizzani’s plans to offload his 56 per cent stake in the West Yorkshire side.
It has long been presumed that the 49ers, who own the rest of Leeds’ equity, would successfully exercise their option to secure a full buyout in January 2024.
But the Daily Mail reported earlier this month (6 January) that the investment arm of the NFL franchise could now face competition from an unnamed Middle East group.
Maguire claims that money will be the sole motivator in the takeover talks, meaning the Middle East group could gazump the heirs apparent from across the pond.
“As far as Leeds’ owners are concerned, the most important thing when handing over the keys will be the size of the cheque,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“That will be the ultimate driver in terms of negotiations, but the club does have a good relationship with SF 49ers’ investment arm.
“That has born fruit over time. It has allowed Leeds to tap into the marketing and communications expertise of the 49ers.
“What a Middle East group could offer is greater financial resources.
“Some Leeds fans might think this is better for the club having seen what has happened at both Man City and Newcastle on the back of substantial Middle East investment.“
In other news, expert claims Patrick Bamford “on the brink” at Leeds United as deal agreed.