In wake of missing out on promotion back to the Premier League it has emerged that Leeds United have held talks with Qatari Sports Investments.

Leeds are still owned by Italian businessman Andrea Radrizzani, but a report in the New York Times states that talks between him and close friend, Nasser al-Khelaifi, who fronts QSI, have taken place.

Nothing is concrete just now and it isn’t exactly clear if any investment from QSI could eventually lead to a full takeover of the Yorkshire side.

Nevertheless, we tackle the subject in our latest FLW Six Point Opinion…

Firstly, tell us what we know about the situation between Leeds and QSI?  

“There have been a number of reports claiming that Radrizzani and al-Khelaifi have held talks in the last week.

“The pair are close, but there does seem to be some value in the discussions about Leeds.

“Radrizzani knows the Championship is a tough place to turn over a profit and he isn’t the division’s most wealthy owner, so investment will certainly help Leeds.”

So, any investment or takeover could lead Leeds down a wealthy path?

“Absolutely, QSI are a serious organisation.

“The World Cup is heading to Qatar in 2022, which tells you just how much money is over there.

“In addition to that, Nasser al-Khelaifi is the president of PSG and I don’t need to explain just how wealthy they are – they own the world’s two most expensive players!” 

With the PSG connection, do you feel a partnership could emerge between the two clubs if things progress?

“If things progress that’s the link that will instantly emerge.

“PSG are a huge club in world football these days and they will hoard players like the big guns in the Premier League. If Leeds can make use of links in the transfer window there could be some success.

“However, you can’t be certain that is the route that the two parties will take if investment comes.”

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What will be going through Andrea Radrizzani’s mind right now?

“Another year in the Championship is going to stretch the Italian financially and I’d imagine that is on his mind.

“Radrizzani does have an impressive book of contacts in the world of sport, though, with the San Francisco 49ers buying a stake in Leeds last summer.

“QSI and al-Khelaifi are another, and he’s clearly just exploring his options with the summer still young.”

Do you feel like Radrizzani needs the cash injection?

“In all honesty I think there needs to be a cash injection.

“The 49ers’ investment last season helped, but Leeds still had to sell Ronaldo Vieira to fund Patrick Bamford’s arrival.

“As mentioned, he isn’t a particularly wealthy owner and I think a £10-15m investment coming from QSI could really help Leeds over the summer.

“It could make all the difference.” 

Finally, what chances do you give a full QSI takeover?

“From Radrizzani’s point of view, he’d be stupid to sell anything more than a minority stake this summer.

“Leeds are on the edge in many people’s eyes and there is surely going to be another promotion push next season. If Leeds go up, the club’s value increases and Radrizzani could land himself a lot more money in the future if he digs his heels in.

“However, I can genuinely see a cash injection in the coming weeks, and letting QSI in opens the door to anything in the future.”