Leeds United could be set for a ‘strategic partnership’ with Italian side Sampdoria amid Andrea Radrizzani’s ongoing takeover talks.
That is according to Calcio Mercato, who claim San Francisco 49ers Enterprises – who are closing on a full buyout of Leeds – could also purchase a minority stake in Sampdoria.
It is said that would in turn allow the two clubs to develop a partnership similar to that of Watford and Udinese under the Pozzo family.
Radrizzani remains locked in talks over the purchase of Sampdoria alongside PSG’s owners QSI following their relegation to Serie B, with the report claiming negotiations are reaching crucial hours to finalise the deal.
The 48-year-old has already agreed to sell the remainder of his stake in Leeds to 49ers Enterprises in the event of maintaining their Premier League status, however talks are also now intensifying over a fresh agreement with the Whites on the verge of relegation.
Radrizzani faces losing out on £150 million if a deal is agreed for the 49ers to complete a full takeover with Leeds in the Championship.
Leeds and Sampdoria set for strategic partnership
This is certainly a very interesting development and one that not many people would have predicted prior to the breaking of this news.
For many Leeds supporters, many are happy to now see the back of Radrizzani completely, but it remains unclear what sort of involvement, if any, he would still have if a partnership does come to fruition.
That said, the dynamic between Watford and Udinese has certainly been an interesting one with the Hornets having picked up some decent players down the years from the Italian side.
Given Sampdoria’s current predicament both financially and on the pitch, it doesn’t feel at this point Leeds would be getting much out of it, though.