By Kieran Maguire

18th Jun, 2023 | 9:41am

Kieran Maguire: Leeds fans 'will love' takeover update after agreement reached

Leeds United fans ‘will love’ that the 49ers have acquired Elland Road as part of their takeover deal after Andrea Radrizzani tried to use it as loan security.

That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who spoke exclusively to Football Insider about the change of ownership at Elland Road this summer.

Leeds released a club statement on 9 June confirming that an agreement has been reached between Aser Ventures and the 49ers Enterprises for the purchase of the club.

The American investors will assume full control of the club, while also acquiring Elland Road from Radrizzani.

Just days before the takeover deal was announced, the Italian owner tried to use the 37,890-capacity as collateral when acquiring a loan to buy another club.

Maguire believes Radrizzani ‘lost interest’ in Leeds, and that it is a ‘very good idea’ for the stadium to now be in the hands of the 49ers.

“I think there is an inevitability in regards to the 49ers’ investment in Leeds United that has been mooted for some time,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.

“It became quite clear that Andrea Radrizzani to a certain extent had lost interest in his ownership of Leeds United and was ready to move on.

“Therefore this is the logical and appropriate step to make.

“As far as the Elland Road acquisition, it makes sense, effectively the money from the 49ers will be knocked off the value of Elland Road and it will go into part of the overall pot.

“I think it is a very good idea to have continuity of ownership of both football club and stadium and I’m sure Leeds fans will love this.“

In other news, Leeds in advanced talks to agree director deal – but there’s a twist