Leeds United have been under the full control of the 49ers Enterprises over the last few years. The American ownership group bought the rest of the majority stake in the club back in 2023.
On the field, it looks like they have achieved everything they set out to do. After the club were painfully relegated, the team has now risen from the ashes. The hiring of Daniel Farke was key; the German was tasked to bring the club back to the top flight. The Leeds United boss was also backed in the transfer market to make this possible.
Off the pitch, the 49ers have played a key part in marketing the West Yorkshire club. Because of their status, Adidas extended their kit partnership, with Red Bull also joining as an investor.
QUIZ: Can you name the Leeds game these 10 goal celebrations are from?
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Former Leeds United star speaks on their Premier League return
Credit: Imago Images
Leeds are now back in the top flight, and with that has come a lot of praise and plaudits. Legends of English football like Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have mentioned that the club’s return to the Premier League is a huge boost.
Former Leeds star Ross McCormack has praised the 49ers for their impact. Speaking on talkSport, he backed the decision to expand Elland Road:
“Honestly, it’ll be great to see them and watch them back in the Premier League, the atmosphere at that old stadium is incredible. You know, they’ve just announced plans to increase the stadium by, I think, 17,000, 18,000 seats, so it’s going to be incredible.”
The 38-year old also pleaded with the club’s ownership to invest in Leeds’ transfers this summer.
“I think everyone at Leeds is under no illusions. I think, as I said earlier, it’s been proven last season, the three teams that went up, how big that gap is to try and stay up.
“First and foremost, that’s what they’ve got to try and do, and I think the owners have got to get their chequebooks out to do that.”
49ers are set to do just that
Club chairman Paraag Marathe has vowed to help the club maintain their top flight status. In his words, he has promised that Leeds ”will spend” this summer. And going by the reported transfer targets, Elland Road fans are in for a surprised.
The estimated budget this summer is said to be in excess of £100million.
