Noel Whelan believes that Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani is looking to complete a full takeover, after reports this week that the Italian is looking to sell some of his shares in the club.
French publication L’Equipe and the New York Times both reported on Monday that Qatari businessman and Paris Saint-Germain owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi met with Radrizzani to hold discussions over buying a stake in the Championship club.
The Independent then reported on Tuesday that although the two did meet, it was not to discuss a possible investment in the club and subsequent reports stated that Radrizzani is only willing to sell a small percentage of his shares.
However, former Leeds striker Whelan is unconvinced by these reports and believes that Radrizzani is looking to complete a full takeover.
“I’m sure Mr Radrizzani would want a complete takeover. He has been reluctant to spend and has said he doesn’t want to sell percentages of the club,” Whelan told Football Insider.
“Maybe he is trying to push for a full sale. He is keeping his cards close to his chest, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a full takeover.”
Leeds just missed out on promotion from the Championship last season and head coach Marcelo Bielsa will be looking to considerably strengthen his squad in the summer, after deciding to remain at Elland Road for another season.
The Argentine could be forced to rely on the loan market though, after Radrizzani admitted the club will face a difficult transfer window.
Whelan is unconvinced that Leeds will be able to achieve promotion by relying on loan signings and stated how a takeover would help the club.
“Leeds is a very attractive club. It has a great history, a huge fanbase and everything is there to make the club massive again.
“It is going to need big investment. I’m not sure we will achieve what we want, which is promotion to the Premier League, from loan signings and free transfers.
“The possibility of billionaires taking over the club would change everything. It could be massive.”
The Verdict
To be fair to Whelan, I think he could be right. There could be something going on that we don't know about and perhaps Radrizzani is looking to sell the club.
Leeds are a very attractive club and I'm sure it's only a matter of time before they become a Premier League club again.
An investment from the PSG owners could be huge for Leeds and there could be exciting times ahead for fans at Elland Road.