Leeds United’s summer can finally begin following the news that a takeover agreement has been reached between 49ers Enterprises and Andrea Radrizzani. The purchase of the club is still to be completed and is now in the hands of the EFL, who will be putting a host of 49ers Enterprises members under the microscope.
In the meantime, though, it seems Leeds will be able to push on with their preparations for the new Championship season which gets underway in just eight weeks’ time. Leeds would have liked more time to prepare for their return to the second tier, but work is already underway it seems when it comes to putting plans in place.
A head coach is the priority and United can now focus their energy on finding the right man over the next week or two. Recruitment can also be taken off the backburner with the takeover set to have big implications on the business Leeds can do this summer.
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The new ownership are likely to want to make their mark on the squad immediately in order to lay down a marker when it comes to their ambitions. They can do that by re-energising the playing group, adding both depth and quality that could spearhead a promotion charge.
Despite having some debts to cover, Leeds were expected to have a certain amount of money to spend this summer whether a takeover had been agreed or not. The Whites are due to receive their first parachute payment of around £45million and that already gives them a large advantage over the teams they will be joining in the second tier.
However, with key men expected to leave the club, funds would have been topped up by player sales. The likes of Rodrigo, Tyler Adams, Junior Firpo and Jack Harrison are amongst those to be linked away from Elland Road and while relegation release clauses will prevent Leeds from recouping huge fees, sales will help Leeds push forward with recruitment.
It seems likely that the takeover will bring about a modest injection of funds, though, and a chunk of that will be put towards the transfer kitty in the name of squad building. Of course, how many players Leeds will need to sign this summer is hard to say at this stage and will depend entirely on how many leave Elland Road.
The Whites know they need to increase the depth within the first-team squad in order to cope with the rigours and demands of a 46-game season. Leeds lacked quality numbers this season, which was highlighted by both Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce, and growing the squad looks to be an important task this summer.
Of course, homegrown youngsters are expected to step up and fill some holes, but the need for more established, experienced options is clear to see, too. This isn’t a takeover by a state-backed organisation with seemingly endless supplies of cash and 49ers Enterprises should not be held to the same standards when it comes to spending.
But, the purchase of the club does allow supporters to look ahead to the new season with optimism with promotion very much the aim of everyone associated with the club.
