Financial expert Kieran Maguire believes Leeds United are worth ‘upwards of £250m’ after they avoided relegation from the Premier League on the final day.
The Lowdown: 49ers option
Jesse Marsch successfully guided the club to a third season of Premier League football following a 2-1 win at Brentford last weekend.
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The Whites have already rewarded the head coach by bringing in Brenden Aaronson from FC Salzburg in a deal worth £25m, and survival could also have a knock-on effect in the boardroom.
The 49ers Enterprises currently hold a 44% stake in the club which remains majority-owned by Andrea Radrizzani. The NFL franchise have an option until January 2024 to take full control for a total price worth more than £400m, with recent reports suggesting they will try and do just that over the summer.
The Latest: Maguire’s comments
Maguire, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider regarding the Whites and the 49ers possibly taking full control.
He said that Leeds supporters ‘will be delighted’ following their dramatic survival and believes that the club is now worth ‘upwards of £250m’.
“All Leeds fans will be delighted the club has maintained its Premier League position.
“If we use Newcastle as a benchmark, Leeds is probably not that far behind. I would expect upwards of £250m in terms of their valuation.
“It’s a one-club city and there is scope for future growth, certainly in terms of the stadium.
“The challenge for Leeds is breaking into the elite. That is becoming more and more expensive to achieve. You have to spend upfront before you get the return on that investment.”
The Verdict: Busy summer required
Leeds now need to act over the coming months after their close shave with relegation. Improvements to the squad are a must over the summer to ensure the club aren’t in the same position next season.
As Maguire mentions, stadium improvements are also an area where Leeds chiefs can look to make their mark off the pitch, something which could be first on the 49ers Enterprises’ agenda.
Hopefully, it will be a busy few months in the boardroom, and it’s good to see that director of football Victor Orta has made a start by landing long-term Aaronson.
In other news: Phillips partner: Leeds now want 'extraordinary' int'l for free; Orta's already spoke with agent