Leeds United and Red Bull are in business for the foreseeable future after their deal this summer.
The global giant purchased a minority stake in the club from the 49ers Enterprises, with a part of the deal making the sports drink brand the front-of-shirt sponsor of the club. Fans at Elland Road have been skeptical about the deal since it was announced, with fears that the club will join the Red Bull umbrella. The Austrian giants have a club network including teams from all over the world.
However, months into the deal, fears have been quenched as it looks like the team will not undergo a complete rebrand to become like Red Bull Leipzig or Red Bull Salzburg. Adidas renewed their kit deal with Leeds United after the Red Bull investment, but it is unclear if the recent business played any part in it.
QUIZ: Can you name the missing sponsor on these 10 Leeds United shirts?
Red Bull could upset the balance at Leeds United
Credit: Imago Images
Now, Leeds United fans have more to be concerned about after recent developments in Asia. Red Bull added Omiya Ardija to their club network in August. Since then they have rebranded the team and logo to make it uniform with other clubs under their network; the club is now known as ‘RB Omiya Ardija’. The club won promotion to the Japanese second tier last season now Red Bull’s plans for the team have been revealed.
Former German international Mario Gomez, who is now under Red Bull as a technical director, said that the club will not be in the second tier for long, and that they are expected to be competing for titles in the top tier within the next six years. There is huge excitement over the Red Bull investment in Asia, but international trade expert Ricardo Gúdel Fernández has warned that it could disrupt the balance in Japanese football:
“the recent entry of groups such as the City Football Group and Red Bull and an influx of other foreign capital threatens to disrupt this careful balance.” he wrote for Geosport.
“The presence of external actors could alter the sectorial diversity of owners, jeopardising the league’s distinctive organisational culture impact.
“It is essential to continue researching to analyse the consequences and adaptations of the Japanese league, assessing how it maintains its equilibrium amid these transformations.”
What does this mean for the club?
It has been made very clear that Leeds United will not be involved in these Red Bull operations, but what if the Austrian brand decide to buy a majority stake? Do they get control of the club? 49ers Enterprises do not look like they would allow that to happen, but it is something Leeds fans should be keeping a close eye on.
