Could Leeds be led by a trio of American GOLF stars? Rickie Fowler reveals he’s ‘moving forward with his involvement’ in 49ers takeover – and says Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth are also interested
American golf stars Rickie Fowler, Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth are set to become investors in Leeds United as part of the takeover by 49ers Enterprises.
Fowler, 34, has revealed he is “moving forward with his involvement” with the Championship club, alongside his Ryder Cup teammates from the United States.
Last week, 49ers Enterprises reached a deal to buy out current Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani and take full control of Elland Road, subject to EFL approval.
The US fund is an investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers NFL franchise and is backed by a number of high net worth individuals, including top athletes from the United States.
New Orleans Pelicans basketball player Larry Nance Jnr has already confirmed he is “part of the ownership group” and now looks set to be joined by Fowler, Thomas and Spieth.
Jordan Spieth (left), Rickie Fowler (middle) and Justin Thomas (right) are set to become investors in the takeover of 49ers Enterprises from Leeds United
A statement from the club released last week revealed that the American group 49ers Enterprises would take full control of the Yorkshire club
Former world number 4 Fowler told Sky Sports: “There’s the group moving forward by getting involved with Leeds.” Myself, JT and Jordan will potentially be part of it.
“It’s cool to have these opportunities. I know we’re looking into it. It’ll be fun if we get to be part of it.
“It’s a huge sport. I feel like it keeps getting bigger in the United States.
“Because I haven’t been to a game, I don’t have the true appreciation until I get to go there and be there and feel that energy.”
49ers Enterprises already owns 44% of Leeds and is buying Radrizzani’s 56% majority stake, valuing the club at £170million. Their president, Paraag Marathe, will become the new white president.
Marathe and Leeds managing director Angus Kinnear is currently leading the recruitment process for a new manager at Elland Road, with Daniel Farke and Carlos Corberan in contention.
Former Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers was considered when they started looking for Sam Allardyce’s replacement.
Fowler revealed the golf trio are ‘moving forward with their involvement’ in the takeover
49ers Enterprises already owns 44 per cent of Leeds and is buying the majority 56 per cent stake from Andrea Radrizzani (above)
However, the Northern Irishman has made it clear he doesn’t want to work in the Championship and has instead been offered a return to Celtic.
Former Norwich chief Farke, who was sacked by German side Borussia Mönchengladbach a fortnight ago, and current West Brom manager Corberan now appear to be the leaders. Another option is Scott Parker, who is out of work after being fired by Club Brugge in March.
All three men have experience of winning promotion to the Premier League. Farke won the Championship with Norwich in 2019 and 2021, Corberan was one of Marcelo Bielsa’s assistants at Leeds on their rise in 2020 and Parker led Bournemouth to the top in 2022.
Leeds hope to appoint a new manager by next week, with the players returning to pre-season training early next month.
