Two years ago, Andrea Radrizzani had jetted off to Italy to go and complete the purchase of relegated Serie A side Sampdoria – missing the final game of Leeds United’s season, a 4-1 loss to Tottenham.
It saw Leeds relegated in Sam Allardyce’s fourth and final game in charge. But Radrizzani was already on his way, planning his next venture in the form of Sampdoria – with the sale of Leeds expected to happen.
Whether Leeds had survived or suffered relegation, The 49ers were always going to buy Radrizzani out of his controlling stake at Elland Road. But the way in which Radrizzani did it, showed no class to Leeds.
A shame, because the first five years of Radrizzani’s six-year stint had gone so well. The hiring of Marcelo Bielsa, buying Elland Road back, promotion and plenty more positives – but it ended in one big negative.
Cellino celebrations highlight massive Radrizzani mistake
Radrizzani took control of Leeds in 2018, initially coming onto the board and sharing Leeds with Massimo Cellino. Earlier this year, Radrizzani chose to divest his shares of Sampdoria – with the inevitable incoming.
Remarkably, Sampdoria and Brescia – Radrizzani and Cellino – were both looking to avoid relegation from Serie B on the final day of the season. The bottom three go down, while 16th and 17th go into a play-off.
Brescia’s 2-1 home win over Reggiana saw them climb to 15th, only goal difference ahead of 16th while Sampdoria could only manage a 0-0 draw against Juve Stabia – seeing them finish in a woeful 18th.
Cellino’s Brescia have pulled off a miraculous escape and while there will be celebrations on his part for that, it also shows the idiocy of Radrizzani’s decision to choose to purchase doomed Sampdoria.
No love lost between Cellino and Radrizzani after recent claims
A quite incredible story, as Radrizzani would have gone from Premier League to Serie C in the space of a couple of years if he had not left Sampdoria. Certainly, no love lost between Radrizzani and Cellino.
Cellino said he wanted to continue as joint owners with Radrizzani – but the latter chose to buy him out at Elland Road. Two months later, Cellino claims Radrizzani text him saying he made a “big mistake”.
The ‘King of Corn’ is renowned for his outspoken claims and his trigger happy approach to management, but Radrizzani still owes Cellino money – according to the man himself. Relegation adds fuel to the fire.
The only positive for Radrizzani in this situation is that he has now left Sampdoria, a few months prior to Tuesday night’s results and relegation. It is unclear what Radrizzani’s next move in football could now be.
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