Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani completes Sampdoria takeover

A consortium that includes Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani has completed its takeover of Italian club Sampdoria.

Leeds’ majority shareholder Radrizzani’s company Aser Group and finance firm Gestio Capital announced on Tuesday they had concluded a deal to save financially-stricken Sampdoria, who have just been relegated from Serie A.

Sampdoria were at risk of a points penalty for next season for failing to pay €13.5 million (US$14.5 million) owed in wages for the past three months. Bankruptcy could have resulted in the second-tier outfit having to start over from the bottom of the Italian soccer pyramid.

In a statement released on Sky Sports Italian reporter Gianluca Di Marzio’s social media sites, Radrizzani said: “We are nothing short of thrilled to be able to announce that we have completed the acquisition of this extraordinary club.

“The history and coat of arms of Sampdoria are safe and I think my happiness is of all the people who were suffering for these colours.

“My thanks at this time go above all to all those people who worked relentlessly to ensure that this agreement found a just conclusion.

“And in particular I have to extend a huge thank you to Matteo [Manfredi, Gestio Capital principal] and to the lawyer De Gennaro.

“Without them none of this would have been possible. From today we move on…. and I personally can’t wait to get to work.”

Radrizzani, who bought Leeds for UK£45 million (US$55.6 million) in 2017, is expected to sell his 56 per cent stake in the Premier League club to American co-owners 49ers Enterprises.

The financial arm of National Football League (NFL) franchise the San Francisco 49ers increased its stake in Leeds to 44 per cent at the end of 2021 with a deal in place to buy Radrizzani’s stake and take full control before January 2024.

49ers Enterprises has been reported to be keen to complete a takeover this summer, but the deal was contingent on Leeds remaining in the Premier League and it remains to be seen how relegation will affect a possible change of ownership at Elland Road.

Leeds’ three-year stay in the top flight was ended on Sunday when they lost 4-1 at home to Tottenham Hotspur in their last game of the season.