'We want to help Radrizzani fly the plane' - door open for San Francisco 49ers to increase Leeds United stake

With promotion secured in July, Whites owner Radrizzani made public his belief that further external financial input would be necessary at Elland Road, particularly in the wake of a worldwide pandemic and its financial impact on football clubs worldwide. He also expressed a hope that his investment partners the 49ers, who bought a 10 per cent stake in 2018, would 'step up' their involvement.

The door to a stake in the top flight club remains ajar for the right investors but the working relationship enjoyed by Leeds and the 49ers has pushed the door wide open for Paraag Marathe, president of the NFL franchise.

Marathe has spoken to NBC Sports of his desire to have a little more control in the direction of travel, hinting broadly at fresh investment. He credited Radrizzani, chief executive Angus Kinnear, director of football Victor Orta and head coach Marcelo Bielsa for the success they have brought to a club that was previously a sleeping giant, existing outside the Premier League for 16 years.

"Coach Marcelo Bielsa has been so phenomenal," said Marathe, who sits on the board at Leeds.

"He is so thoughtful, methodical, comprehensive and meticulous about his process. However you want to call it, analytics or something else, he has the formula. With him, Victor, Andrea and Angus, we're passengers on their plane, we're not flying the plane by any means. We're proud to be associated with them and watch the progress they've made."

Now that top flight status has been achieved and the club's potential, as Marathe sees it, can be further unlocked, the 49ers are keen to play a bigger part.

"We want to get more involved, we want to help more, drive more value on and off the pitch, use 49ers expertise if Andrea and the team will have us, we want to become bigger partners with Andrea, we're hoping that comes to fruition," he said.

"To some extent we want to help him fly the plane a little bit more. We don't just want to hang around, we want to become a force in the Premier League and we think we have the ingredients to do that."

Marathe sees the club's global fanbase as key to future success. His greatest 'epiphany' since becoming involved, visiting Elland Road regularly and speaking to Kinnear at least once a week, is that Leeds fans' passion is 'next level' and added to their status as the city's only football club, can be harnessed to bring further glory on the pitch.

Although Marathe did not talk specifics or timelines and the YEP understands an investment deal is not imminent, it could move quickly. Unlike outside parties, the 49ers seat at the table has given them full disclosure on the running of the Elland Road operation and there would be no need for due diligence. Along with the question of exactly when it could take place, it remains to be seen how much of an additional stake the 49ers want, how much Radrizzani is willing to agree to and how much it will cost. Leeds' worth as a club has increased dramatically, along with their earning potential, now that they are a Premier League outfit once again, with vastly improved television income and commercial revenue.

But with both parties happy to tell the world that they want the same outcome, it now appears a case of when, not if, for additional investment from Radrizzani's stateside partners.

Marathe is excited about where they can take the club next.

"I think the sky is the limit for Leeds, it's not a club where we made it to the Premier League and barely trying to hang on by the laces of our shoes, it has every opportunity to become one of the big contenders year in and year out," he said.

"They have the fanhood, the stadium, they're a one-club town, all the ingredients are there, we just have to deliver. I don't think anybody has the potential that Leeds has. They've developed a worldwide fanbase. We see opportunity."