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3 things 49ers Enterprises would have to address at Leeds United should takeover go through in 2023

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Leeds United could be moving towards a full takeover from the San Francisco 49ers in the coming months.

The Whites have returned to the Premier League under the ownership of Andrea Radrizzani, but are struggling to capitalise on their initially strong standing in the division, leading to a lot of tension between the fans and the board.

As the league now halts to make way for the World Cup, there looks to be significant progress going on behind the scenes where a takeover from the San Francisco 49ers is concerned.

The Times have reported this week that the NFL franchise have secured the necessary funds in order to complete their full buyout of the Elland Road club.

There is plenty in their in-tray as the proposed new owners of the club, and here, we look at three things that the 49ers will have to address as they complete their buyout…

Match ambitious claims with swift action

A key problem that fans have with the current regime is that we’re hearing all the bluster of owners that want to see the team grow towards being a top six side once again, but none of the action to actually get the side there.

We knew the first two seasons would be a slog, to then build stability from thereon, but a negative net spend outlines the club aren’t as keen to put that into action.

If the club are restricted by their spending power under Radrizzani, then that’s fair enough, but don’t give the fans this rallying mentality that we are going to be challenging for Europe in the near future.

With more powerful investment behind us, that might actually be possible.

Get fans onside

Speaking of which, the fans aren’t happy at all really when it comes to the ownership, and board members alongside Radrizzani.

A fresh start gives the new people in charge a chance to get off on the right foot, whether that be with some big spending, or just anything that shows they mean business.

Getting the ball rolling might seem generic as a term for these owners to get the fans on board with them, but it’s needed.

‘Sack the board’ chants will have the 49ers knowing that this fanbase won’t tolerate anything other than what is required, which is smart ownership.

Sending emotionally-charged tweets to fans, writing terribly arrogant programme notes, or mocking fans post-match are three things best avoided.

Which position is most important in January?

Striker

Striker

Left-back

Left-back

Central midfielder

Central midfielder

Other?

Other?

Stadium plans?

Expanding Elland Road has been in the pipeline for some time now, with fans unable to get tickets to see the side play in the league.

Stability in the top flight was the first priority before thinking of making the stadium bigger, and should that come this season, you’d expect the club to push through those plans with new owners.

If they want a club that can muscle into the top-half and potentially top eight, you need a stadium to match.

The demand is there, there just needs to be the seats to accommodate.

The big updated Andrea Radrizzani quiz – Can Leeds United fans score 20/20?

1 of 20

In what year was Andrea Radrizzani born?

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Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I've seen it all at Elland Road.