Explained! Fresh 49ers investment in Leeds United - What does it mean? Who is Paraag Marathe? How involved will he be?

The Whites made the announcement via their official website, outlining fresh investment from an entity affiliated with the NFL franchise that will see their ownership stake rise to 37%.

Leeds also confirmed that Paraag Marathe, 49ers Enterprises President and current Whites board member, has been appointed Vice-Chairman at Elland Road.

Here’s a rundown of all the key points you need to know following today's reveal:

What is the 49ers’ history with Leeds United?

The San Francisco outfit have been involved with the Whites since 2018, when they bought a 15% stake in the club.

That investment came a year after owner Andrea Radrizzani had himself taken full ownership at Elland Road.

What does this latest deal mean for the 49ers involvement?

By the looks of things, the 49ers are keen to increase their involvement at Elland Road.

For one thing, this fresh investment significantly increases their ownership stake in Yorkshire, with the NFL franchise now owning 37% of the club.

Likewise, new vice-chairman Paraag Marathe has already spoken about playing an “even bigger role” in the day-to-day running of operations, and will be supported in his new role by 49ers Enterprises Vice President Collin Meador and other key 49ers personnel.

Who is Paraag Marathe?

Marathe has been involved with the 49ers for two decades now, and currently occupies the role of Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the Californian team, playing a key role in contract negotiations.

The Stanford Business School graduate has also been Chief Operating Officer and team President of the franchise, and helped to oversee the construction process of their state-of-the-art Levi’s Stadium.

Marathe has been a board member at Elland Road since 2018.

What does the investment mean for Leeds going forward?

Both Marathe and Radrizzani seemingly hold lofty ambitions for the Whites.

In particular, the latter has spoken about “chasing our dreams” of taking Leeds back into European competition.

The new vice-chairman has also outlined his aspirations, stating: “We are committed to doing all we can to help the club compete for championships against the best football clubs in the world”.

Elsewhere, Radrizzani has alluded to potential redevelopment at Elland Road, and of the club’s training facilities.

Which Premier League Club does Andrea Radrizzani want to emulate?

For all of his ambitious talk about European campaigns and bringing glory back to Elland Road, Radrizzani has also made it clear that he still wishes to prioritise sustainability and stability above all else.

Speaking in an interview last September, the Italian owner picked out Leicester City as an example of a top flight club who have managed to consolidate their place in the higher reaches of the division without taking unnecessary gambles.

When asked about pushing for Europe in the short-term, he said: “It would be wrong to do it because there is no foundation to do that.

"So obviously, there are teams that have done an unbelievable story like Leicester, but Leicester is an example also of stability and sustainability over time.”