New York Times journalist Rory Smith says Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers are not working in tandem and as he “understands” it, the 49ers blocked Jack Harrison‘s exit – while Radrizzani was willing to cash in.
As things stand, the 49ers boast a 44% stake in the club while Radrizzani holds a majority stake at 56%. But it is expected that the 49ers will compete a take over from the Italian in the summer, even if Leeds do suffer relegation.
If not in the summer, next January. The 49ers and Paraag Marathe has been in regular attendance at Elland Road ahead of a takeover. But as Smith understand it, he claims the two parties are not working as well as believed.
Indeed, he says that Radrizzani was willing to cash in on Harrison – as the winger arrived at Leicester and began a medical ahead of a £22m move to tonight’s opponents. However, the 49ers pulled the plug on the late transfer.
“[Leeds] are worn down and that has been exacerbated due to the relationship between Radrizzani and the 49ers. The best example of that is Jack Harrison, who almost joined Leicester on the the last day of the window.
“Radrizzani was happy for that deal to go through but as I understand it, the 49ers said no, you’re not doing that, we need him to stay in the Premier League. They are not working smoothly,” Smith told BBC R5L’s Monday Night Club.
Smith says Leeds owner Radrizzani and 49ers not working in tandem
It is worrying. If this is the case, Leeds and the 49ers really need to get a deal done. It does feel as though that the current ownership’s time at Elland Road has come to an end, and something needs to change. A freshness at Leeds.
Radrizzani and the current ownership deserve praise for many things but over the last couple of years, it has simply not worked. Yes, Orta hired Marcelo Bielsa. But it was Bielsa that provided the magic to get us where we are now.
