Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani has admitted the Whites need to bring in new investors to the help them compete with the best clubs in the Premier League.
The Italian took full ownership of the English side in May 2017 before 49ers Enterprises brought shares in the club to become a minority investor in 2018.
After Radrizzani’s arrival at Elland Road, Leeds United achieved promotion to the topflight in 2020 and have maintained their position in the Premier League since then.
The 48-year-old, who sold Eleven Sports Network to DAZN earlier this year, is of the belief that Leeds United need to bring in change at the top in order to help the club bring back its glory days.
Corriere della Sera sat down for a detailed interview with the Leeds owner, where he was specifically asked about the Premier League side.
“I want to operate as a private equity in sport. Yes, perhaps Leeds can grow further, but in the future, they will need more resources to be able to reach higher levels and compete with the best clubs in the Premier League, as a result I believe that, due to the history of the club and the respect I have for the fans, it is right to let those who can invest more than me go forward, and bring them to the glory of the past. There is also a design aspect: this is my sixth year, change is healthy,” he said.
Radrizzani had previously made efforts to invest in an Italian side but was not successful. When asked whether he still has plans to buy a club there, he opened up about the partnership Leeds have with 49ers Enterprises.
“More than you think. We made an offer for Salernitana, but we never received a response. However, I’m happy for the fans, now they have a very good owner, Danilo Iervolino: a serious entrepreneur who is doing well with excellent results,” Radrizzani explained.
“Now let’s look around. We are considering investment opportunities in some Italian teams with the 49ers and other important partners. As partners in Leeds with the 49ers we have reached the end of the cycle and have shown that we know how to create value. Now a new phase is opening with new targets, accompanied by the interest of family businesses and private equity who want to invest with us.”
