Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani flies to Italy to complete takeover of Sampdoria… leaving door open for Premier League strugglers to be sold even if they’re relegated
- Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani to complete takeover of Italian side Sampdoria
- Sale could mean Radrizzani could be willing to sell the Elland Road club
- Leeds will be relegated unless they beat Tottenham in Sunday’s final game
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani was in Italy on Monday to try and complete a takeover of Sampdoria – a sign that he could be willing to sell the Elland Road club regardless of relegation.
Radrizzani is part of asset management fund Gestio Capital, who have lodged a bid to save Sampdoria from financial oblivion after they were relegated from Serie A.
The Italian media mogul was seen arriving at the crisis club’s training ground in Genoa on Sunday and answered ‘Let’s hope, fingers crossed’ when asked by local reporters if he was going to buy them.
Radrizzani’s move for Sampdoria comes less than 24 hours after his current club Leeds were left staring down the barrel of relegation following a 3-1 defeat at West Ham.
The 48-year-old has a deal in place to sell his majority stake in Leeds to 49ers Enterprises but only if they stay in the Premier League.
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani set to complete a takeover of Italian side Sampdoria
Leeds on brink of relegation from the Premier League after Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to West Ham
Relegation complicates matters but the NFL franchise – who already own a 44 per cent stake – are understood to be keen on taking full control of the Whites even if they go down on Sunday.
That would require Radrizzani having to agree to sell at a far lower price, with the valuation of Leeds plummeting from around £420million to £150m if they drop divisions.
However, his interest in Sampdoria suggests he is preparing to exit Elland Road whatever this summer, even though rules allow him to control both clubs.
Gestio Capital’s CEO, Matteo Manfredi, confirmed the group have ‘sent a binding offer to take over Sampdoria’ and had ‘found an agreement with the banks for the full payment of all their debts’.
The Italians have been given a deadline of the end of this month to pay players’ wages that are overdue otherwise they will be deducted four points at the start of next season.
Sampdoria have been relegated from Serie A and have major financial issues at the club
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