The influence of 49ers Enterprises is growing all the time at Leeds United ahead of their eventual takeover, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.
The Lowdown: 2024 takeover expected
In January 2024, 49ers Enterprises are expected to take 100 per cent control of Leeds, bringing to an end the successful reign of Andrea Radrizzani at Elland Road and shilling out roughly £475m to the Italian.
With Jesse Marsch replacing Marcelo Bielsa as manager last week, there is a definite feel of a new, American-heavy era slowly dawning at the club, as the Whites fight to stay in the Premier League.
Judging by a new update, the incoming new owners are already making their influence felt.
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The Latest: Journalist reveals 49ers latest
Speaking to Give Me Sport, O'Rourke dropped a claim from 'within the corridors' at the club, believing 49ers Enterprises are 'flexing their muscles' at Leeds as their power grows following Marsch's arrival:
"It definitely seems that the 49ers and the American influence does have some power within the corridors of Elland Road and it just seems they are trying to exert their influence."
This follows the massive news last week that both Angus Kinnear and Victor Orta could leave this summer, as we really may be entering a totally new era in Yorkshire.
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The Verdict: Good for Leeds
In a financial sense, the change in ownership should be a good thing for Leeds, allowing more funds to be available for new signings, as the club builds as a whole - many would argue the failure to truly reinforce Bielsa's squad last summer and in January cost the fan favourite his job.
That being said, it is important that 49ers Enterprises show respect to Radrizzani and don't get overly involved at this point, leading to a potentially bitter situation.
That shouldn't happen, and the hope is that the change in ownership is a smooth transition in two years' time, at which point the Whites will still hopefully be in the Premier League.
In other news, Leeds have been backed to sign a Premier League attacker this summer. Read more here.