In May 2024, global giants Red Bull bought a minority stake in Leeds United and became their principal shirt sponsor for the 2024/25 season.
As a result of the purchase, the Championship club became part of Red Bull’s football portfolio. There are six clubs associated with Red Bull including RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, RB Bragantino and RB Brazil.
Leeds United will not change their name or brand to be part of Red Bull, but the organization will be in involved in some aspects of the team.
Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe, spelled out how Red Bull would be involved in the running of the club:
“As chairman, our consortium of investment partners will be invaluable to me as we approach this important moment for the club, now and into the future. Red Bull’s addition is a historic milestone that will further empower the club to reach its full competitive potential.”
Leeds United and the Jürgen Klopp problem
Leeds United v Southampton Sky Bet Championship General view of a Leeds United badge outside the stadium before the Sky Bet Championship match at Elland Road, Leeds Copyright: xKarlxVallantinex FIL-20110-0001
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp agreed to join Red Bull as Head of Global soccer from January 2025. His role will include oversight of the Red Bull clubs including Leeds United.
Former Leeds United midfielder David Norris believes that it would only be a matter of time before Klopp gets involved with handling of day-to-day activities Leeds United, and even potentially replacing Daniel Farke.
“On paper, it sounds a good thing. It’ll be interesting to see how hands-on Klopp is at these Red Bull clubs because he is a football manager after all, and what the role actually turns out to entail,” he said exclusively to MOT Leeds.
“However, I grew up supporting Liverpool and I remember when Gerard Houllier came in to help Roy Evans – it was only a matter of time before Houllier took over. Obviously, I don’t expect that to happen with Klopp and it’s an entirely different role, but it might just be extra pressure for Farke.
“Unless they’re friends and they’ve had a prior working relationship, Farke might not appreciate any kind of outside influence, no matter who they are.”
Will Red Bull interfere with Daniel Farke?
Earlier this season, Farke made it clear how the Red Bull deal would affect him and the club:
“We are Leeds United and I think no one of our supporters would allow us to try and copy something or follow a similar philosophy. We are a pretty unique club and also have our own values, principles philosophy, our own way that we want to play.
“As far as I know, this is exactly what the 49ers are standing for. They know how special this club is and they don’t want to copy someone else and for that, we will always be Leeds United.”
Red Bull and Klopp would definitely be in the loop when it comes to executive decisions surrounding the team, but for now it seems like their influence will not involve matters on the pitch.
