In a week in which Leeds United ascended back to the Championship summit and the San Francisco 49ers entered advanced talks regarding an investment in Rangers, speculation over the future of Angus Kinnear has also made headlines.
Following his appointment under Andrea Radrizzani in 2017, the club’s chief executive has played a major role behind the scenes in a topsy-turvy period at Leeds United.
And it is understood that Angus Kinnear has now entered Everton’s thinking as the Friedkin Group – The Toffees’ new owners taking charge after a miserable conclusion to the Farhad Moshiri tenure – look to put their own stamp on the Premier League ever-presents.
This is a critical juncture in Everton’s history.
The 2024/25 campaign will be their final one at the iconic Goodison Park. And, ahead of their impending move into that cavernous £750 million arena in Bramley-Moore docks, Everton are looking for a new chief executive to help smooth over the transition from the Moshiri era to the Friedkin reign.
Everton likely to face Leeds United resistance for Angus Kinnear
Leeds United News have been told that Everton believe Angus Kinnear would be interested in leaving Elland Road for a fresh challenge on Merseyside.
The Toffees would face a considerable challenge negotiating his departure from Leeds, however. Kinnear is very highly regarded by the San Francisco 49ers and minority investors Red Bull. As such, the club’s bosses would resist any attempts to lure him away.
Despite some bumps in the road – Kinnear came in for substantial criticism during that ill-advised attempt to change Leeds’ famous crest back in 2018 – the former West Ham director has become a largely popular figure amongst the Whites faithful.
Kinnear is a good communicator, conducting a series of insightful interviews over the years including with fan-led podcasts, while providing a stable link between varying different departments behind the scenes.
Kinnear backed the ‘exceptional’ Daniel Farke to the hilt after last year’s play-off final heartbreak.
He recently spoke out about how he helped deal with the ‘tension’ between Farke’s coaching staff and those recruitment experts over the summer. Leeds endured a sluggish start to the window but ended it with the additions of Manor Solomon, Ao Tanaka, Jayden Bogle and Largie Ramazani.
All four players are a major reason why Leeds are currently two points clear at the top of the Championship ahead of next week’s trip to title rivals Sheffield United.
Kinnear has played a big role in Leeds’ success under Daniel Farke
Kinnear deserves further credit for enabling Leeds to navigate a tricky scenario regarding those Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Leeds eventually sold Archie Gray, Georginio Rutter and Championship Player of the Year Crysencio Summerville but, in a testament to both their coaches and their recruiters, the club has bounced back stronger.
In other news, the aforementioned San Fransisco 49ers – led by Elland Road chairman Paraag Marathe – have entered advanced talks over a potential takeover of Scottish giants Rangers.
And while there may be concerns amongst some supporters about the club’s owners dividing their interest between The Whites and Rangers, it is understood that the development could prove to be ‘hugely beneficial’ to Leeds going forward.
Marathe is not expected to take on the chairman’s role at Ibrox.
Upon Marathe’s takeover at Elland Road back in 2023, meanwhile, Kinnear was permitted to retain his chief executive role.
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