A Leeds United USA strategy is becoming more clear, as Fabrizio Romano reports that a Leeds United Weston McKennie move becomes more likely and owner Andrea Radrizzani travelled to watch the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs. According to The Athletic, the current owner reportedly has an agreement to sell the club to 49ers Enterprises, which will see new money put into key transfers.
Leeds United USA Strategy Becoming Clear
Leeds United Transfer Strategy Under Victor Orta
The transfer strategy at Elland Road has been similar throughout Andrea Radrizzani’s tenure as owner of the club. A buy low, sell high strategy means that the club is able to complete intelligent transfers, with the side making a major profit on Raphinha in the summer of 2022 and signings such as Joe Gelhardt and Wilfried Gnonto already looking like they are worth more than their respective £1 million and £4 million fees.
With an estimated net worth of £450 million, the Italian is one of the poorer Premier League owners. Buying and selling intelligently is a must at Thorp Arch, with the club using the high values of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha to fund a huge summer window that saw the purchases of Tyler Adams, Luis Sinisterra, Rasmus Kristensen, Wilfried Gnonto and Brenden Aaronson. It seems that the strategy, so far, has worked.
Read More: Leeds United Pursue Youngster Diogo Monteiro
What The San Francisco 49ers’ Strategy Could Be
The San Francisco 49ers have a significant interest in Leeds United’s success. Since acquiring a large proportion of the club, the 49ers have both a financial and reputational interest. According to David Ornstein, the American conglomerate was key in signing Georginio Rutter, the Whites’ record signing. This could be a sign of protecting their investment whilst fishing in a more expensive pond for talent with a lot of potential to grow.
Leeds fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming years. Angus Kinnear, the club CEO, has spoken openly about the club’s interest in a stadium expansion as the club sells almost all of its tickets to every match. Meanwhile, the new ownership has experience in building the infrastructure around a team, creating a new stadium for the 49ers. Whilst replacing Elland Road is unlikely, the old ground has room for some upgrades.
Read More: Leeds United Sign Georginio Rutter
Leeds United USA Strategy Going Forwards
The potential Leeds United Weston McKennie signing is just one cog in a larger strategy for the Premier League club. Manager Jesse Marsch is American, with signings Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams both a major part of the USMNT. Not only that but Adams captains his side’s international matches. Such a pivot to the USA doesn’t seem coincidental.
With the 2026 USA-hosted World Cup on the horizon and new American owners coming down the line, there is a clear route to greater popularity for the Whites. Having not only the host nation’s captain, but one of its more creative players in Aaronson and a midfield powerhouse in McKennie provide the club with incredible marketing opportunities.
The United States is soon to experience a wave of football (or, in their case, soccer) fever, and by positioning themselves properly three years early, Leeds United are sure to profit if they can hold onto these incredible assets. Premier League survival is the short-term aim, and if they manage that, this strategy could see the club’s international appeal explode.
Read More: Leeds United Sale By Andrea Radrizzani Pending
