Italian businessman Andrea Radrizzani is passionate about his role of Leeds United’s majority shareholder. Still, he admits that a change at the helm might be necessary if the club is to reach the status of one of the best teams in the country. Radrizzani has been involved with Leeds for six years, having initially bought a 50 per cent share of the club to become co-owner alongside Massimo Cellino in January 2017. Radrizzani then took full ownership of the club in 2017, and the Italian remains United’s majority shareholder, with his Aser Ventures group owning 54 per cent. American consortium 49ers Enterprises own the other 46 pent.##NAJAVA_MECA_6911585##Speaking to Corriere della Sera in his homeland, Radrizzani was honest about the club needing more investment – and that it won’t come from him. According to a clause in the takeover contract, the Americans from the 49ers Enterprises, the company owning the San Francisco 49ers NFL franchise, will have an opportunity to take full control of Leeds United in January 2024.”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 their fans, it is right to let those who can invest more than me go forward, and bring them to the glory of the past.”The 48-year-old Italian, who made his wealth in the media industry, says he’s probably taken the Yorkshire club as far as he could.”This is my sixth year. Change is healthy. Although we are happy with Leeds, we are evaluating other investments, and the potential exit in 2024.”Elland Road, Leeds United (1967) pic.twitter.com/02joLtMFwO— MotherSoccer (@MotherSoccerNL) December 19, 2022 Radrizzani’s tenure has seen Leeds United return to the top tier of English football after a 16-year absence. Under Argentinean coach Marcelo Bielsa, the Whites were a big hit in the Premier League, but a shaky second season saw Bielsa dismissed in favour of American coach Jesse Marsch. Radrizzani is excited by his young squad and the prospect of improving under Marsch.”We’re the second youngest team in the league and for a lot of players in our line-up, it’s the first time playing Premier League. They have a bright future, but these ups and downs are calculated. We need to stay strong and create consistency. I’m sure this team over the year can become better and better. This year I target we can be mid-table, but we need to improve and get more points for how we play football, which is quite good.”
