Could Leeds be run by a trio of US GOLF stars? Rickie Fowler reveals he is ‘moving forward with his involvement’ in the 49ers Enterprises acquisition… and says Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth will also be involved
American golf stars Rickie Fowler, Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth will become investors in Leeds United as part of the takeover by 49ers Enterprises.
Fowler, 34, revealed that he is “moving forward with his involvement” with the Championship club, along with his USA Ryder Cup teammates.
49ers Enterprises last week agreed a deal to buy out current Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani and take full control of Elland Road, subject to EFL approval.
The US fund is an investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers NFL franchise and is backed by a number of high net worth individuals, including leading athletes from the United States.
New Orleans Pelicans basketball player Larry Nance Jr. has already confirmed that he is “part of the ownership group,” and he now appears to be joined by Fowler, Thomas and Spieth.
Jordan Spieth (left), Rickie Fowler (centre) and Justin Thomas (right) become investors in Leeds United’s takeover of 46ers Enterprises
A club statement published last week revealed that US group 49ers Enterprises will take full control of the Yorkshire club
Former world No. 4 Fowler told Sky Sports: ‘There is a group that is progressing by being involved with Leeds. Myself, JT and Jordan will possibly be part of it.
“It’s cool to get those opportunities. I know we’re investigating. It’ll be fun if we’re a part of it.
“It’s a huge sport. I feel like it’s getting bigger and bigger in the United States.
“Because I haven’t been to a game, I don’t have any real appreciation until I’ve actually been able to be there and feel that energy.”
49ers Enterprises already own 44 per cent of Leeds and are buying Radrizzani’s 56 per cent majority stake, valuing the club at £170 million. Their president, Paraag Marathe, will be the new Whites chairman.
Marathe and Angus Kinnear, Leeds CEO, are currently leading the recruitment process for a new manager at Elland Road, with Daniel Farke and Carlos Corberan competing.
Former Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers was considered when they first started looking for Sam Allardyce’s replacement.
Fowler revealed that the trio of golfers are “moving forward with commitment” to the acquisition
49ers Enterprises already owns 44 percent of Leeds and buys Andrea Radrizzani’s (more than) 56 percent majority stake
However, the Northern Irishman made it clear he did not want to work in the Championship and was instead offered a return to Celtic.
Ex-Norwich chief Farke, who was sacked two weeks ago by Germany’s Borussia Monchengladbach, and current West Brom manager Corberan now appear to be the frontrunners. Scott Parker, who is out of work after being suspended by Club Brugge in March, is another option.
All three men have experience winning promotion to the Premier League. Farke won the Championship with Norwich in 2019 and 2021, Corberan was one of Marcelo Bielsa’s assistants at Leeds as they moved up in 2020 and Parker led Bournemouth to the top flight in 2022.
Leeds are hoping to appoint a new manager by next week, with players returning to pre-season training early next month.