---
title: "Leeds: Reporter shares worrying 49ers takeover claim"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-worrying-49ers-takeover-claim/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Leeds United News"
published: "2023-02-23T14:40:58Z"
modified: "2023-02-23T14:40:58Z"
---

# Leeds: Reporter shares worrying 49ers takeover claim

**The San Francisco 49ers Enterprises’ proposed takeover at [Leeds United](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-news/) could be in jeopardy if the club are relegated to the Championship, according to [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/feb/21/javi-gracia-leeds-manager-key-tasks-revive).**

### The Lowdown: Option until January

The 49ers have had a deal in place to take over from Andrea Radrizzani since the [end of 2021](https://theathletic.com/news/49ers-enterprises-has-option-to-buy-leeds-for-in-excess-of-400m/VNaD4HltRFNZ/), with time ticking for the agreement to be activated.

The American investors can take complete control in Yorkshire for a total price in excess of [£400m](https://theathletic.com/4184464/2021/12/06/49ers-enterprises-has-option-to-buy-leeds-for-in-excess-of-400m/), but they only have until [next January](https://theathletic.com/4184464/2021/12/06/49ers-enterprises-has-option-to-buy-leeds-for-in-excess-of-400m/) to exercise that agreement.

### The Latest: Worrying claim

[The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/feb/21/javi-gracia-leeds-manager-key-tasks-revive)’s Louise Taylor shared a story in the last 48 hours, sharing what new manager Javi Gracia must find in order to revive the club.

She said that Leeds’ [Premier League](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-news/) status could be crucial in regards to a takeover, with relegation to the Championship almost certainly placing a prospective takeover in jeopardy.

\[freshpress-quiz id=”418869″\]

### The Verdict: Not good

[Reports](https://www.footballinsider247.com/leeds-united-10-year-plan-revealed-as-takeover-all-but-done-sources/) earlier this month claimed that the 49ers ‘expect to be in control in Yorkshire for 10-15 years once they complete a full takeover of the club this summer’, adding that relegation would not stop a takeover as they are ‘pursuing a long-term capital appreciation model’.

Therefore, this claim from Taylor is a worrying one, as it seems as if a takeover may not be guaranteed irrespective of the league in which Leeds find themselves for 2023/24.

Gracia’s full focus will be on matters on the pitch, and his impact in the coming months could have a real impact in the boardroom in the long run, potentially starting this weekend against Southampton if he [receives a work permit](https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/javi-gracia-leeds-work-permit-26306275) in time.