Kieran Maguire issues verdict on 49ers quitting £400m Leeds United takeover deal
Relegation will not deter the San Francisco 49ers from a full takeover of Leeds United – but it may be pushed back by at least a year.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the ownership structure at Elland Road.
The 49ers currently own 44 per cent of the West Yorkshire club but have a £400million option, which expires in 2024, to purchase Andrea Radrizzani’s remaining equity.
The Daily Mail reported on Thursday (19 May) that a full takeover would be delayed if Leeds drop out of the top flight.
Jesse Marsch’s side are inside the bottom three on goal difference ahead of the final day on Sunday (22 May).
But Maguire suggested that the 49ers will stick it out even in the Championship.
“My gut reaction is that the 49ers are in this for the long haul,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“They see Leeds as an undervalued asset. They generated £171m in revenue in 2020-21. If they had matchday income that year, it would have been closer to £190m. Commercial income has trebled since 2017 too.
“So they will see some really positive opportunities there. I think the 49ers would stick it out with the belief the club would bounce straight back.
“If that isn’t the case, there would be a 60 per cent drop in revenue when clubs fall into the Championship from the Premier League.
“That takes into consideration the drop off in broadcast income, parachute payments, and the impact for wages and so on.”
Leeds face Brentford on Sunday, while relegation rivals Burnley take on Newcastle United.
The Whites’ far inferior goal difference means they need to better the Clarets’ result to stay up.
In other news, Leeds United take ‘massive advantage’ into Brentford clash after what pundit has seen