By Sean Fisher

19th Jul, 2023 | 8:00am

Leeds United 'big play' revealed after 'superstar' twist - expert

Leeds United can use their new ‘superstar’ investors to grow their brand and popularity in the United States.

That is the view of finance expert Dr Dan Plumley, who spoke exclusively to Football Insider about the commercial benefits of celebrity investors.

Leeds announced on Monday evening (17 July) that the 49ers Enterprises had officially completed their takeover of the club.

Big League Advantage, a US-based investment fund providing athletes with investment opportunities, partnered the 49ers in the takeover of the club.

As a result, a number of elite US athletes including Michael Phelps, Jordan Speith, Justin Thomas, Larry Nance, Myles Jack, TJ McConnell, Erik Johnson and Gabriel Landeskog, have all invested in the club.

Plumley believes the involvement of top-level athletes at Leeds will help the club to grow their brand and fanbase in the United States.

“I think that’s the big play from Leeds, it’s about growing the brand in line with the takeover and using the sports stars involved,” Plumley told Football Insider.

“There are loads of tie-ins you can see coming in with the new owners and the brand can grow if those athletes get on board.

“People might draw comparisons to the likes of Lebron James at Liverpool, who often gets brought up from time to time.

“That kind of presence and having those superstars available and the following they have not just in America but around the world is a really nice fit from a commercial point of view.

“I certainly expect to see some opportunities in the future linked to the athletes and their brand promotion and value to Leeds.“

In other news, Leeds United set to sign Ethan Ampadu after change of plan – sources