Leeds United takeover: Red Bull eyeing full buyout – Keith Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has suggested Red Bull could buy a majority stake in Leeds United from 49ers Enterprises in future.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – suggested the two “strong groups” may be unable to work together at Elland Road.
Leeds announced last week (30 May) that they have struck a multi-year deal with Red Bull as a minority investor and sponsorship partner.
The energy drink brand will become the front-of-shirt sponsor of the Whites from the 2024-25 campaign onwards.
Red Bull own multiple football clubs worldwide – including RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg – as well as a dominant Formula 1 team.
The 49ers, who are led by president Paraag Marathe, only agreed a majority takeover at Leeds last year (2023) after coming in as initial minority partners.
Red Bull could complete full Leeds takeover within years, says Wyness
Wyness claimed Red Bull could take full control from the US-based investors if the club don’t prove successful in the coming years.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “It will never be Red Bull Leeds.
“The colour red, for the fans, will be a problem.
“However, Red Bull could become a buyer of the 49ers position if things aren’t going well.
“There are now two very strong groups in place, and that normally doesn’t bode well.
“Hopefully it does, but I’ve got enough experience to know that things don’t always work out that way.”
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