Red Bull offer to Leeds United exposed as former striker makes major 2014 claim

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Red Bull now have a minority stake in Leeds United, but there was a time where they had no interest in the club at all.

Leeds are seemingly making moves off the pitch as well as on it, and the Whites’ partnership with Red Bull could be used to full effect in the future.

Jurgen Klopp could help with Angus Kinnear’s successor as the Red Bull Head of Global Soccer could be a key part of Leeds’ future.

It’s all well and good with Red Bull’s involvement now, but they once shied away from ever doing business with Leeds.

There were many rumours surrounding this in 2014, but now a former player has exposed the truth.

Mirco Antenucci exposes truth with Massimo Cellino and Red Bull in 2014

Mirco Antenucci wasn’t at Elland Road for long but he made a long-lasting impression and fans are still grateful for his stint at the club today.

The Italian striker scored 19 goals in 80 appearances in what was a quiet time for the club in the Championship, but shows great interest still, as Antenucci has applauded Sam Byram at times this season.

However, it certainly wasn’t off the pitch as there were talks of Red Bull investing in Leeds early on, a long time before their partnership was confirmed in May 2024.

The company denied these claims in 2014, claiming they had ‘no plans’ to takeover Leeds.

Club president at the time, Massimo Cellino, said to the Yorkshire Evening Post, that he didn’t want to sell Leeds and found the claims ‘disrespectful’.

It was never revealed whether Red Bull actually had plans to look into the prospect of Leeds, but extraordinarily, Antenucci has just revealed the company gave a ‘big offer’.

Speaking to Italian podcast, MODI, the former Leeds striker was being shown the kit with the Red Bull sponsor on and said: “Red Bull had already presented a big offer when Cellino was there.”

READ MORE: Chris Wilder says Leeds United are in the wrong position after bizarre Championship admission

Why Red Bull chose to not buy Leeds as there was one major concern

Well despite their denial it seems as though the energy drink giants can’t get out of this one, as Antenucci has just dropped a serious claim.

It seemed like Cellino didn’t want to sell, but there is no denying Red Bull’s interest after denying it for so long.

According to the Daily Mail in 2016, Red Bull ideally wanted a London team and felt like there might be a conflict if Leeds qualified again for European football.

Of course, this hasn’t been a problem since and Red Bull clearly had a change in heart, but that seems mostly down to the 49ers’ ownership as opposed to Cellino.

It comes as no surprise that Red Bull denied the claims as Cellino had an ‘absolute shambles’ with Leeds, but judging by Antenucci’s claim, the pairing coming together was always destined to happen.