From Marcelo Bielsa to the San Francisco 49ers - the key moments from Andrea Radrizzani's ownership of Leeds United

It's been a whirlwind four years for Andrea Radrizzani and Leeds United since his arrival at the club - here are the key moments of his ownership so far.
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January 2017 - Andrea Radrizzani purchases a 50 per cent stake in Leeds United from owner Massimo Cellino.

May 2017 - Andrea Radrizzani completes a 100 per cent buyout of co-owner Massimo Cellino, as he takes full control of the club from his controversial countryman.

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May 2017 - Radrizzani brings in Victor Orta as sporting director and Angus Kinnear as managing director to help run the club on and off the pitch.

Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani (middle) with Angus Kinnear (left) and Victor Orta (right). Pic: GettyLeeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani (middle) with Angus Kinnear (left) and Victor Orta (right). Pic: Getty
Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani (middle) with Angus Kinnear (left) and Victor Orta (right). Pic: Getty

June 2017 - After Garry Monk had earlier resigned as head coach, Radrizzani moved to appoint Thomas Christiansen as Leeds United's new manager.

June 2017 - Radrizzani brings back Leeds Ladies under Leeds United ownership after former owner Massimo Cellino halted funding for the team in 2014.

June 2017 - Radrizzani completes the purchase of Elland Road, making the club's home ground property of Leeds United for the first time since 2004.

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January 2018 - Leeds United announce an official partnership with Aspire Academy in Qatar, who also own Spanish side Cultural Leonesa.

January 2018 - Leeds United introduce a controversial new 'salute' badge as their club crest, however criticism is fierce and the club quickly scrap the plans.

February 2018 - With Leeds stuttering in the Championship, Radrizzani sacks Thomas Christiansen and brings in Barnsley manager Paul Heckingbottom.

May 2018 - Leeds United travel to Myanmar for a controversial post-season tour. The club received national criticism due to the political situation in the country.

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May 2018 - NFL giants the San Francisco 49ers purchase a minority stake in Leeds United of a little under 15 per cent for around £10m, a move which sees Paraag Marathe appointed to the Elland Road board.

June 2018 - After just four months in charge head coach Paul Heckingbottom is sacked following a disappointing run of results.

June 2018 - Leeds United appoint world renowned head coach Marcelo Bielsa as their new manager, his signature is seen as a major coup for the club.

July 2018 - Radrizzani abandons plans to become an investor in Serie B side FC Bari after initial talks.

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August 2018 - Leeds United sign striker Patrick Bamford for an up front fee of £7m but also sell promising midfielder Ronaldo Vieira to Sampdoria ahead of the new season.

May 2019 - After a hugely successful first campaign under Bielsa, Leeds fall short in the play-offs at the hands of Derby County in a tie surrounded by 'Spygate' controversy.

August 2019 - Leeds United release the first season of documentary 'Take Us Home', a show which heavily features owner Radrizzani.

August 2019 - United strengthen again, bringing in the likes of Helder Costa from Wolves and Ben White to replace the outgoing Pontus Jansson.

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September 2019 - The Whites are awarded a FIFA Fair Play Away for 2019 after Marcelo Bielsa allowed Aston Villa to score unopposed in a controversial encounter the season before.

March 2020 - Leeds United's assault on promotion is halted as the coronavirus pandemic hit football in the UK.

July 2020 - After amassing 93 points during the Championship season under Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds are crowned champions of the second division and earn promotion to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years behind closed doors.

July 2020 - Leeds United's academy is awarded Category One status after heavy investment from ownership, the first time the club has achieved the rating in its history.

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August 2020 - Radrizzani helps Leeds break their club transfer record by bringing in headline signing Rodrigo from Valencia among a number of others ahead of the Premier League.

August 2020 - Season two of 'Take Us Home' is released, this time with a more successful ending for the club.

November 2020 - After a strong start to the top flight, Radrizzani hints at welcoming fresh investment in a bid to establish the Whites in the Premier League. Paraag Marathe also hints that the 49ers would like to increase their influence in West Yorkshire.

January 2021 - The San Francisco 49ers announced that they have increased their shareholding in the club to 37 per cent for a reported £50m. Paraag Marathe is appointed as vice chairman amid the deal.

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