Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani completes takeover of relegated Serie A outfit Sampdoria

A consortium that includes Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani has completed its takeover of Italian club Sampdoria.

Leeds’ majority shareholder Radrizzani’s company Aser Group and finance company Gestio Capital announced they had concluded a deal to save financially-stricken Sampdoria late on Tuesday night.

The news was confirmed in a statement released via Sky Italia reporter Gianluca Di Marzio’s social media sites, but the Italian made no mention of relegated Leeds who he is expected to sell by January 2024.

Radrizzani said: ‘We are nothing short of thrilled to be able to announce that we have completed the acquisition of this extraordinary club.

‘The history and coat of arms of Sampdoria are safe and I think my happiness is (for) of all the people who were suffering for these colours.

Andrea Radrizzani has completed a deal to save financially-stricken Sampdoria

Radrizzani’s confirmation statement made no mention of Leeds, who he is expected to sell his majority stake in to American co-owners 49ers Enterprises before January 2024

Sampdoria have been relegated to Serie B after picking up just 19 points in 37 matches

‘My thanks at this time go above all to all those people who worked relentlessly to ensure that this agreement found a just conclusion.

‘And in particular I have to extend a huge thank you to Matteo (Manfredi, Gestio Capital principal) and to the lawyer De Gennaro.

‘Without them none of this would have been possible. From today we move on…. and I personally can’t wait to get to work.’

Radrizzani, who bought Leeds for £45million in 2017, is expected to sell his 56 per cent stake in the Premier League club to American co-owners 49ers Enterprises.

The financial arm of NFL franchise the San Francisco 49ers increased its stake in Leeds to 44 per cent at the end of 2021 with a deal in place to buy Radrizzani’s stake and take full control before January 2024.

49ers Enterprises has been reported to be keen to complete a takeover this summer, but the deal was contingent on Leeds remaining in the Premier League and it remains to be seen how relegation will affect a possible change of ownership at Elland Road.

Leeds’ three-year stay in the top flight was ended on Sunday when they lost 4-1 to Tottenham at Elland Road in their last game of the season.

Sampdoria have also been relegated from Serie A after picking up just 19 points in 37 games. 

Reports in France earlier this week suggested that PSG owners Qatari Sports Investments would team up with Radrizzani. though the Italian’s statement made no reference to them.