Leeds United - on this day: Andrea Radrizzani purchases initial Elland Road stake

The day...

January 4, 2017

The event...

Andrea Radrizzani purchases 50 per cent stake in Leeds United.

What happened?

It is four years to the day since Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani purchased an initial stake in the Elland Road club.

The 46-year-old media tycoon bought 50 per cent of United from fellow Italian Massimo Cellino in January 2017, before completing a full takeover the following summer.

Radrizzani has overseen a huge change in fortunes in LS11 since his arrival, helping the club earn promotion to the Premier League last summer under world-renowned head coach Marcelo Bielsa’s guidance.

United now hold top-flight status for the first time in 16 years following a turbulent period for Leeds both on and off the pitch.

Radrizzani welcomed investment from NFL giants, San Francisco 49ers, in 2018, and the California-based sports franchise have already shown an interest in increasing their minority stake following promotion to England’s elite.

The Italian recently hinted that outside financial backing could still yet appear from the 49ers or elsewhere, but is himself committed to a long-term future in West Yorkshire.

"I would do exactly everything I have done in the last three years again to enjoy this moment again," he said last summer after promotion was secured.

"I have done all of this, living in this league for three years, it was very hard and I'm not going anywhere.

"People have said I would sell in the Premier League but I have always said I would sell probably if I couldn't achieve the Premier League, but I would love to stay maybe 10 years or more. I'm not in any rush, I'm enjoying it."