The 49ers bought a 15% stake at Leeds in 2018, increasing that to 44% in 2021, and while they were involved at board level during that period, it is only since their full takeover in July 2023 that they have called the shots outright.
However, they did come under fire, along with former chair Andrea Radrizzani and chief executive Angus Kinnear, for several player contracts negotiated during Leeds’ most recent spell in the Premier League.
Upon relegation, clauses inserted into several players’ deals meant they could depart on loan, much to the dismay of the club’s fanbase.
Willy Gnonto refused to play as he looked to force a move away before being reintegrated into the first-team squad, and Daniel Farke – chosen as the man to lead Leeds to promotion – and his new-look side were made to rue a stuttering start to the season, beaten in the play-off final by Southampton.
That failure to return to the top flight at the first time of asking led to Crysensio Summerville, Georginio Rutter and the club’s hottest prospect Archie Gray all leaving last summer.
Former Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara was also sold as Leeds saw around £150m-worth of talent depart. Those sales demanded another rebuild, but the 49ers have cannily put together a squad that has kicked on to new heights this season.
Influential centre-back Joe Rodon’s loan deal was made permanent, while Jaden Bogle and Ao Tanaka have been hugely impressive after signing for relatively low transfer fees from Sheffield United and Fortuna Dusseldorf respectively.
Indeed, Leeds have had very few misses in the transfer market since the 49ers took sole charge, with Joel Piroe and now-captain Ethan Ampadu establishing themselves as leading performers in the Championship.
The side is now less reliant on individual quality and functions better as a unit in Farke’s second season as manager. Leeds top the table with the best attacking record and second-best defensive numbers in the league.
Gone is the scattergun approach of previous director of football Victor Orta, with signings now carefully considered and catered to the needs of the squad.
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