49ers Enterprises Agree Deal To Buy Leeds United For Reduced Price After Relegation

Leeds United published a statement on Friday to announce that a deal had been agreed for 49ers Enterprises to increase its stake in the club to 100 percent.

The investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers purchased a 15% stake in Leeds in 2018 before increasing that to 44% in 2021.

It will now pay close to £170 million to buy the remaining 56% from club chairman Andrea Radrizzani through Aser Ventures.

Leeds are currently preparing for next season in the EFL Championship following their relegation from the Premier League.

Talks between 49ers Enterprises and Aser had been ongoing for months.

According to BBC Sport, Radrizzani was set to sell his 56% stake for around £400m had Leeds preserved their Premier League status by staying up.

Leeds United will soon be fully owned by 49ers Enterprises

IMAGO/PA Images/Tim Goode

"Leeds United can confirm an agreement has been reached between Aser Ventures and 49ers Enterprises for the purchase of the club," read Friday's statement.

"Both parties continue to work through the details, and further updates will be provided soon.

"All of our focus remains on a quick return to the Premier League."

Radrizzani was not at Elland Road on the final day of the EPL season when Leeds were relegated after losing 4-1 to Tottenham.

His popularity among Leeds fans had plummeted following his decision to fire former manager Marcelo Bielsa in February 2022.

The Leeds United Supporters Club released a statement following the team's relegation last month.

It said that Radrizzani was "no longer an appropriate person to own Leeds United" and added: "His behavior is appalling and he risks never being welcome at our club again.

"The sooner he goes the better and we look forward to the 49ers Enterprises offer being accepted.

"The only way he can begin to salvage his reputation is through an immediate sale of the club and the stadium."