October 15 – The owner of Leeds United, one of the sleeping giants of English football, has revealed that Qatar Sports Investments, who own Paris Saint-Germain, are one of three parties interested in taking a major stake in the Championship club.
Andreas Radrizzani says he has picked three major investors after being approached “by more than 20 parties”.
Radrizzani confirmed in in an interview with The Times newspaper that the Qataris could make Leeds so successful they could even “compete with Manchester City” who also have Middle East owners.
QSI is run by Nasser al-Khelaifi, a friend of Radrizzani, with the pair having worked closely on several football TV rights deals.
Radrizzani has not divulged the identities of the two other parties, whose investment offers he is also considering.
“The option of Qatar Sports Investments and Nasser …we have had a good relationship for a long time,” he said.
“Secondly, they have the possibility to bring this club to compete with Manchester City, so for the fans that could be a fantastic opportunity.
“The second (investor) is based in America, he’s a big fan of Leeds United since he was a child. Another one is the owner of an Italian club.”
Radrizzani bought into Leeds in January 2017 before becoming the club’s majority owner five months later after buying out Massimo Cellino. They are are currently fifth in the second-tier Championship.
“The most important thing for me is to make this club big again. When I will open the door to others I don’t know, hopefully when we are in the Premier League. The financial support would be more important in the Premier League.
“When it will be done, it doesn’t matter which share [I have], it matters that I can continue my project and also have the support to build this club back again.”
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