The Qatari owners of Paris Saint-Germain are in advanced talks to take over relegated Serie A team Sampdoria in partnership with Leeds chief Andrea Radrizzani.
- Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani was in Italy to complete Sampdoria takeover
- According to reports, he is working with PSG’s Qatari owners for the club
- It is rumored that PSG’s owners may one day be willing to invest in Leeds too
Paris Saint-Germain’s owners, Qatari Sports Investments, are reportedly in advanced negotiations to finalize the acquisition of Sampdoria – in conjunction with Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani.
Mail Sport reported earlier this week that Leeds’ owner was in Italy to try and complete the takeover of the Italian team, recently relegated from Serie A.
French edition L’Equipe have now claimed that QSI is in advanced negotiations to acquire Sampdoria in partnership with Radrizzani’s ASER Ventures.
The move would see Radrizzani take majority control of the club, while QSI would gain a minority investment.
It also claims that QSI ‘could be willing in the medium and long term’ to invest in Leeds – that hopes to avoid relegation like Sampdoria this weekend.
The Qatari owners of Paris Saint-Germain are in advanced talks to finalize the acquisition of Italian side Sampdoria in partnership with Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani (right)
They would take over the Italian team recently relegated to Serie A
A stake in Sampdoria would be similar to the deal struck last November to acquire a minority stake in Portugal’s Braga.
QSI would also discuss an acquisition of Spanish Malaga and a minority stake in Brazilian Santos as they look to build their portfolio.
However, Radrizzani and QSI’s bid for Sampdoria from current owner Massimo Ferrero faces competition from another ‘serious competitor’, although their identities have not been disclosed.
Radrizzani was in Italy on Monday to try to help complete the acquisition of Sampdoria.
Radrizzani is part of asset management fund Gestio Capital, which has submitted a bid to save Sampdoria from financial oblivion after they were relegated from Serie A.
The Italian media magnate was spotted arriving at the crisis club training ground in Genoa on Sunday, replying ‘Let’s hope, fingers crossed’ when local reporters asked if he would buy them.
Despite talks that QSI could invest in Leeds in the future, Elland Road chief Radrizzani has struck a deal to sell his majority stake to the 49ers Enterprises – but only if they stay in the Premier League.
Relegation complicates things, but the NFL franchise — which already owns a 44 percent stake — would like to take full control of the Whites even if they go down on Sunday.
Leeds are on the brink of relegation from the Premier League after Sunday’s defeat to West Ham
That would mean Radrizzani agreeing to sell at a much lower price, with Leeds’ valuation plummeting from around £420m to £150m if they drop divisions.
However, his interest in Sampdoria suggests he could be preparing to leave Elland Road, even if the rules allow him to control both clubs.
Leeds need a near miracle this weekend to avoid relegation.
They need to beat Tottenham at Elland Road, and hope Everton lose to Bournemouth and Leicester take no more than a point from their clash with West Ham – given the Foxes’ superior goal difference to Leeds.